I’m Thinking of You

performance by Franko B with music composed and performed by Helen Ottaway

(2009-2022)



about:

I'm Thinking of You presents a surreal, dreamlike image... a romantic vision of childhood fantasy and abandon. The body is central, but we are also presented with objects and music, which converge to take the viewer through a contemplative, personal experience.

The first inspiration for I'm Thinking of You came from a childhood object, which Franko B made into a sculpture, altered for safe use by adults. The idea was to allow adults to play, to forget their problems, to let go, or just to have fun - in the same way that children are allowed to. Over time, and with engagement with the composer, Helen Ottaway, the idea has developed and changed, with Franko using performance and music as a means to create his desired image.

performances:

2022

  • Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara

  • Fondazione H.E.A.R.T., BIG Bari Gender Festival, Bari

2018

  • Panstwowa Galeria Sztuki, Sopot

  • Tanzquartier Wien

2011

  • Montpellier Danse Festival

  • Gru, Geneva

  • Beaconsfield, London

  • Globe Gallery, Newcastle, UK

2012

  • Short Theatre, Rome

2009

  • Chelsea Theatre, London, UK

  • Thessaloniki, Greece

  • Teatro Valle-Inclan, Madrid, Spain

  • Centro Contemporaneo L Peci, Prato, Italy

  • Visions of Excess - Spill Festival, London, UK

  • National Review of Live Art, Glasgow

2010

  • The Nunnery Gallery, London

  • Colchester Arts Centre, UK

  • Trouble Festival, Brussels

  • Royal College of Art, London



photos:



videos:



reviews:

“The room glowed with the sunlight of a carefree childhood, the scars of Franko's previous body-work were like memories alongside the vivid colours of his luxuriously tattooed flesh, his eye contact with onlookers invited reciprocal smiles. Art and humanity, Franko B and us - a restorative group hug for the heart and mind. Simply superb.”

- Mary Brennan, The Herald

  • • Franko B Entre, Hypnose et Provoc

    Aurelia Hillaire (2012)

  • • ‘Happenings’, el Arte Politico de Remover a las Minorias

    Antonio J Rodriguez [Publico] (July 2009)

  • • ‘I’m Thinking of You’ Franko B

    Lisa Skuret [Nowiswere 4 (page 13)] (April 2009)

  • • Performers Open Eyes and Minds

    Mary Brennan [Herald Scotland) (February 2009)



related works:

  • • I'm Thinking of You Version 2

    performance (2010-2016)

  • • The Golden Age

    series of sculptures (2007-2008)

  • • Play Time

    video (2015)