Jonas Staal (1981) is an artist who studied monumental art in the Netherlands (NL) and the US. He is a PhD researcher in contemporary propaganda at the University of Leiden, NL. His work includes interventions in public space, exhibitions, lectures, and publications, and focuses on the relationship between art, politics, and ideology. His essay “Post-propaganda” (2009) and publication Power?… To Which People?! (2010), provide the theoretical basis for this line of work. His most recent book is Art, Property of Politics III: Closed Architecture (2011), which researches a prison model developed by far-right Freedom Party politician Fleur Agema. His work has appeared in exhibitions including: 7th Berlin Biennale, Berlin, 2012; Enacting Populism, Kadist Art Foundation, Paris, 2012; 1:1 Hans van Houwelingen & Jonas Staal, Extra City Kunsthal Antwerpen, Antwerp, 2011–12; Tricksters Tricked—(un)covering identity, Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, 2010; and History of Art, the, David Roberts Art Foundation, London, 2010. He regularly publishes in newspapers and magazines such as de Groene Amsterdammer, Metropolis M, and NRC Handelsblad. Staal lives and works in Rotterdam.
