Love in Times of Pain

exhibition at Globe Gallery, Newcastle

(April - May 2009)



about:

Love in Times of Pain presents a series of never-before-seen objects characterized by the exclusive use of colour black. The themes evoked – life and its vanities, death, eroticism and pain – remain central to the artist’s investigation.

Love in times of pain is an encounter with a haunting setting of found objects and stuffed animals all pasted over in dense black acrylic paint; birds, a squirrel, the head of a deer, a fox, a turtle, standing still and awaiting for the viewer, mounted on trolleys, tables and other pieces of furniture, also covered in thick black paint.

The animals standing high on their ‘pedestals’ become monumental, glorious; it is as if these creatures are rescued and given a new identity, another lease of life. Standing high, facing the viewer with splendour, they become life itself; and the layers of thick, impenetrable black paint, this absolute monochrome, which usually evokes death, remains there as a reminder of a previous sore existence.

We are also delighted to present a selection of Franko B’s Black Paintings.



photos:

photographs by Colin Davison



reviews:

  • • Exhibition Preview: Franko B, Newcastle upon Tyne

    Robert Clark, The Guardian (April 2009)



works:

  • • Love in Times of Pain

    series of sculptures & installation

  • • Black Paintings

    acrylic on canvas & found objects (2004-2006)