chemo bar - 2001
The Chemo Bar is an amazing rotating mechanical bar designed, built and bar tended by Erik Hobijn.
I first met Erik in Zagreb during a chaotic art event called the ‘youth salon’ (funded by George Soros would you believe) and we kind of hit it off. I was immediately struck by his individual sense of style (spotless polyester 70’s suits) and very particular energy. It turned out that Erik was also a very particular artist - having spent several years inventing a fire spouting organ and a self immolating machine. You can see some of his work here.
Erik was in Zagreb with his Chemo bar and I pretty much immediately invited him to come to Liverpool for the 2001 Biennial. The bar is in many ways a reflection of Erik's personality - in that it demonstrates a delicately balanced mix of technology and human warmth/frailty. It features a complex collection of chemical tubes and pipes within which alcohol is heated, distilled and collected. Underneath this a large round metal table is arranged for visitors to the bar to sit at (no hierarchy in Erik land). This table rotates at the flick of a with allowing Erik to place a drink on the bar and rotate it round to sit in front of you. Finally, menus of exotic and at times scary cocktails are available to all visitors (see here).
Needless to say Erik’s bar was a big success in Liverpool where drinking adventures and unusual company are always placed at a high premium.
2001 / art / biennial / curated / exhibition / gallery / independent / liverpool /
