Neurons and Synapses
Image credit: Photographer, Hilde van Mas, copyright, Franz-Josef Baur.
In his recent works "Neurons & Synapses," artist FJBAUR (Franz-Josef Baur) considers the challenges of living and forming relationships in the post-millennium age. The title refers to synapses, the junctions between individual nerve cells which transmit the impulses of our body. FJBAUR asks what happens if these impulses are disturbed by external pollutants. He sees our current societal values, aggression and urban anonymity as slowly having a destructive effect. We asked him about his work and use of textiles.
You use knitted items and wool, is this to reference the domestic/home-made?
Yes, absolutely. Mainly I do it myself, using vintage wool or any pre-used items. We all should do so - do more handicrafts to not lose craftmanship.
Image credit: Photographer, Christian Benesch, copyright, Franz-Josef Baur.
Your work talks about ‘pollutants’ destroying our balance, what are these pollutants?
Our “world”, our day to day life is characterized by spinning faster, faster. We have no time for looking after our human relationships. We don´t talk to each other or look out for those next to us. Is that the price of our human progress? No time – means no time left for any of the above topics. My main aim in my work is to make people aware of our values, the real values of life in caring, and not losing them all.
Image credit: Photographer, Hilde van Mas, copyright, Franz-Josef Baur.
Image credit: Photographer, Christian Benesch, copyright, Franz-Josef Baur.
How do you choose your materials?
For two years, I have loved to play and work with fabrics. Fabric is so intense and is a part in our lives from the beginning to the end - romper to the death shirt. We all know this material, and nothing layers or comes closer to our body. So, everyone understands what it feels like. Most of the fabrics I use are vintage or knitted by myself. It reminds me of my childhood, when my grandmother showed me how to do.
I love the idea of keeping “things” alive and let them have another circle of life, again and again. This makes them valuable and is keeping them important.
For more information about FJBAUR, visit www.fjbaur.net
Blog post by Kate Grinnell
