I’m Thinking of You
“The life and work of Franko B is situated somewhere between isolation and seduction, benevolence and confrontation, suffering and eroticism, punk and poetry. It is a certain type of schizophrenia that finds a balance, dramatically undermining the status quo.” Becky Haghpanah-Shirwan
Supported by music from composer Helen Ottaway, Franko B creates a surreal dream setting in the performance I’m Thinking of You. While the naked body plays a central role as in all the Italian choreographer’s performances, in this piece it is also the theatrical presentation of objects and music that takes the audience on a contemplative journey. I’m Thinking of You conceives a romantic utopia of child-like imagination and carefreeness. A toy from Franko B’s childhood served as inspiration for this piece, and he has turned it into a sculpture for the performance.
(b. 1960 in Milan) fled to London at the age of 19 to evade military service and study art. Originally interested in ceramics art and sculpture, Franko B is best known for his radical performances involving self-injury, which have caused a sensation time and again since the 1990s.
Most of his works are perfect visual arrangements, memorable compositions that step up against today’s flood of images. In his sculptures, for example, the trained sculptor monumentalises ephemeral media images by “immortalising” them in marble or metal.
Credits
Limited space
Part of TQW Reopening