Teun Hocks is a pioneer of the photographic practice of ‘constructed imagery’ in which many artists today work. Using sets constructed in his studio, Hocks photographs himself as the hapless everyman combating the absurdities of daily life. Hocks then embellishes his black and white photographs with transparent oil glazes creating surrealistic portraits with dark comedic undertones. Included alongside the large photographic works, Hocks has created small endlessly looping animations. Like footnotes to the larger pieces, these playful videos transcend his initial work sketches, frame by frame, into cartoon film shorts.

With humor and drama Hocks plays on the sympathy of the viewer. Through his use of self-portraiture Hocks presents himself as a melancholy yet playful artist who illustrates his encounters with the mysteries and constructs of his own existence. As both the comic (artist) and the straight man (subject), he represents the futile discontinuities that result from occupying both positions.