Solo show Zurich

THIERRY FURGER

13.01.2020 – 18.01.2020

SIDE QUOTES

During his lifelong research on graffiti as an ephemeral phenomenon Thierry Furger developed his iconic style called Buffed Paintings. For the new series at Kolly Gallery Furger buffs quotes that he collected in his years of research.

Since 2007 Thierry Furger has been researching the transience and aesthetics of illegal tags and pieces. During his research on the ephemeral phenomenon, the series Buffed Paintings emerged. As an artist and observer of society, Furger explores the aesthetic forms of graffiti culture.

In this series the artist examines the quotes that are normally only found on the side or under a graffiti piece. As the actual piece, typically a stylized name, does not transport a content-related message, the quotation next to it could be revealing a message, a mood or a dedication. Sometimes an apt quote can even complement a graffiti piece.

Discover THIERRY FURGER original artworks

„ In this series I would like to emphasize the side quotes.“

THIERRY FURGER, 2019.

During Furger’s long-term observations of the aesthetics of graffiti the cleaning traces inspired Furger’s own formal aesthetic characteristics. Furger’s artistic practice is explained as following. First, he sprays tags, throw up and pieces on metal or aluminium boards. Afterwards, they are cleaned or painted over by the artist using the same graffiti-killers as the official train staff. As he himself is creating his own buff, he is able to control and steer the effects of transience. De- pending on the surface material and color applied, different compositions of color clouds, wipe marks, drips and swings appear as a result of spontaneous chemical reactions. Therefore, he creates pieces that are contrasting and challenging the usual high gloss look of art pieces exhibited in the white cube. Furger deliberately dispenses the representation of lettering, calligraphy, style or its decorative aesthetics but portrays an abstract representation of the aesthetics of speed and transience.

The gesture of the streets and the primitive aesthetics of the urban space and transience are clearly visible. The inspiration for his artistic practice is also based on his own observations, reflections and experiences within the urban space.

Tania Di Brita

More about Thierry Furger

Installation view