Frederik Rombach
Antwerp, Belgium
“Politics is the art of persuasion.” – David Graeber, The First 5,000 Years
“Art is the most creative form of politics.” – my own twist on it.
These two lines sit at the foundation of my practice. My work begins here, in the space where art and politics overlap – in the tension between consumerism and creation.
Consumerism is multiplicity, instinct, curiosity. We are addicted to it; it is more than primal and less than genetic. When you look at my work, or when you buy it, you are consuming, and I want that act to feel both good and thought-provoking. I make objects that can be enjoyed in a comfortable, even hypocritical way, because that is the reality we live in. At the same time, they point back to history, to theory, and to where we are headed.
ABOUT REROGLASS
Welcome to Rero Glass, Europe’s only recycled glassblowing studio, based in Antwerp. We transform waste glass into unique, handcrafted objects such as lamps, vases and bowls. Each piece tells a story of sustainability and craftsmanship.
Our studio runs entirely on reuse: from tools to furnaces, everything has been restored and repurposed. We use rainwater for our water needs, and work exclusively with recycled glass. In addition to our own creations, we collaborate with artists and designers on custom projects. We also offer workshops, teambuilding events and guided tours to share the magic of glassblowing with others. Visit our studio in Hoboken and discover how waste glass gets a beautiful second life.
ABOUT GREEN SODA MOVEMENT (GSM)
This is a new gallery concept for creatives showing works made exclusively with post-consumer glass. It is a gallery concept that is open on invitation for private viewing and for dinners in style. It is not that traditional place where it’s about who sees whom. It’s about the work, meeting the artists, direct conversations and time to observe.
The gallery operates from an apartment in Antwerp as well as from a shipping container that plugs into all kinds of events globally. The gallery works with a rent-to-buy and/or corporate rental system where artists and the gallery receive monthly instalments and the clients make monthly payments. Parts of the profits flow directly back into the GSM to create catalogues and installations. Other parts of the profits flow into the residency program at RERO glass. Ideally the sales will start to sustain the residency program, creating a self sufficient environment.
