Stèle – Archeology 2023
This work speaks to the artists’ overarching belief in transformation. It's besides that, also an homage to ‘failure’. Through trial and error, Frank and Robbert attempt to capture the spirit of the times.
On the one hand, we live in an ever more dazzling world, where people are pushing the boundaries of technology almost daily. On the other hand, we see that the same world is suffering from a serious loss of magical thinking, intuition and connection with nature. It is almost as if we lack the ability to connect the dots. In fact, the title of the work, alludes somewhat to the idea of self-archaeology. To our discovery of (versions of) ourselves. R&F F&R raise questions without answering them.
This stele exploded in the kiln during the firing. Instead of throwing the broken fragments away, They decided to put the broken pieces back together. Much of the original drawing was lost. But the started to draw in the wet concrete, resulting in a totally new and unorthodox sculpture.
Shrine – Shredding Sorrows 2019
This shrine is embellished with imagery of a past fire ritual in which the artists burned the sorrows of the public. Fire symbols enhance the ritual narrative of the shrine. On top of the shrine is an inscription bearing the message ‘With everyone are we connected’ in German. This shrine was built and activated during the artists’ residency at ABA in Berlin in 2019.
Many years ago, inspired by ancient history, the artists created a wooden suitcase for their alter egos, Reindeerhead & Oxhead. Held upright and with the handle removed, the wooden suitcase looked more like a shrine of the sort used in devotional practices. Instead of honoring deities, ancestors or the spirits of Nature, F&R chose to activate their alter egos in a ritual. This marked a new precedent for a unique aspect of their artistic practice: the creation and activation of shrines.
Some of their shrines require certain rituals to be performed in order to be activated, while others serve simply to depict past events.
Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.
Robbert&Frank Frank&Robbert
Belgium
http://www.frankenrobbert.com/
Frank&Robbert Robbert&Frank grew up together 🕺🕺🏼. They developed a strong sense for the symbolic and political power of images.
Seeking the poetical 🌱 rather than the provocative 💥 they create personal works that invite the viewer to take a closer look 🔍.
Questioning the status of the artist, they continuously develop new methodologies for creating and showing their art.
Trial and error ❌, persistence 🔥 and humor ☺️ are key ingredients in their practice.
Artworks are never finished. 🕳️They are shadows of ideas and act as gateways. They⛩️ always serve connection and interaction. 🔮
Shrines, clay-tablets, murals and rituals come vibrantly together in public space, theater rooms or in white cubes ❇️.