Hans Theys

Hans Theys is a twentieth-century philosopher and art historian. He has written and designed dozens of books on the works of contemporary artists and published hundreds of essays, interviews and reviews in books, catalogues and magazines. All his publications are based on actual collaborations and conversations with artists.

This platform was developed by Evi Bert (M HKA / Centrum Kunstarchieven Vlaanderen) in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp (Research group Archivolt), M HKA, Antwerp and Koen Van der Auwera. We also thank Idris Sevenans (HOR) and Marc Ruyters (Hart Magazine).

ESSAYS, INTERVIEWS & REVIEWS

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Fran Van Coppenolle - 2024 - Breathing space [EN, essay]

Hans Theys

Text , 1 p.

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Hans Theys

Fran Van Coppenolle (b. 1998) grew up on a large estate with meadows, fields, hangars, sculpting studios, stables, animals, trees, a pond, forklifts and various agricultural machines that she handles with grace, ease and lightness.

Surrounded and inspired by a myriad of objects left behind by her ancestors, she bends, welds and paints metal. She carves, screws, glues and paints wood. She creates surprising volumes by combining metal, wood and found pieces of textile. Unforeseeable materials are put under tension, tightened, braided, glued, screwed and sewn together until they begin to form captivating objects. The resulting shapes spring from the characteristics of the used materials and from a play with colour and symmetry, which unintentionally calls to mind flowers, birds or airplanes. At the same time, she seeks subtle asymmetries that seem to bring these sculptures to life.

Thus she creates breathing space for all of us without asking anyone for permission.

Montagne de Miel, 3 January 2024

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