Solo show Zurich

THIERRY FURGER

18.01.2021 – 23.01.2021

schriftenmaler

Whether tag, throw up, piece or masterpiece – graffiti is more than a juxtaposition of illegible letters. This is what Thierry Furger represents in his new series Schriftenmaler. In everyday life, letters are used to convey a rationalised message, but in the graffiti tradition, they represent part of a complete work of art. The medium becomes the object of representation and the transmission of the code becomes mediation.

With the title Schriftenmaler, Furger takes up a play on words in which he consciously identifies himself as a painter and not “writer” (“Maler“ german word for “painter“). Furger’s approach is about artistic exploration, the creative act and therefore the transmission of a certain mood through a work, whereby the letters contained therein are secondary.

Discover THIERRY FURGER original artworks

„ I paint letters, I don’t write them.“

Thierry Furger, 2021.

The graffiti tradition and its understanding und decoding is based on the unique knowledge, criteria and schemes that this art movement itself has generated. This means, that a graffiti piece can “only” say as much to an individual as that individual knows about it and engages with it. The colours, the site specificity, the environment, the execution and the un-commissioned application of it make it a complete work of art, which is ultimately touching and challenging.

The message of tags, pieces and studio works are therefore not easy to read like a text that gives an unambiguous content. As works of art, they require a certain period of contemplation, can possibly be deconstructed or allow the interpretation free rein. In his creative practice, Furger deals with the dynamic-eternal or finite process of graffiti. His pictures, however, always capture a glimpse of transience.

Tania di Brita

More about Thierry Furger

Installation view