Many people are afraid of rats, with their bright beady eyes, sharp yellow teeth and pink bare tails. They dwell in the dark of basements, attics and sewers and are known to spread scary diseases like the plague. 'Rat' is not used for nothing to indicate a conniving, cunning and lying person, a snitch. But rats are also very social, smart and agile. They are real survivors. According to Joep van Lieshout, if the water is at our fingertips due to climate change, the rat might just be able to adapt easily. That is why he has made an image of this animal and with the necessary irony also calls it a self-portrait. “Where humanity dies of the apocalypse, rat Van Lieshout will survive”. This sculpture doubles as a fountain, where when activated, the water will seep down the polyester skin of the statue itself. Reminding us that water, just like the rat itself, is a friend and foe together. #AtelierVanLieshout #AVL #JoepVanLieshout #ContemporaryArt #Art #Design #Sculpture #Fiberglass #SculptureFriday #Rat