An exhibition based on a proposal by Sander Reijgers and Mark Kramer in collaboration with PHK18.

Urban architecture is subject to changes by man and the natural elements. Graffiti, vandalism, precipitation, temperature, etc. cause their external changes. The “architectural skins” change over time. These age, wear out, crack, tear, blister, shrivel, weather, dry out, fade, rot, these are all processes that come with a certain beauty. The poetry of decay. PHK18 shows work by artists who reflect or intensify these influences.

Mark Kramer and Sander Reijgers are both interested in the skin of a work or more specifically the literal “layering”, the layers of a work. Sander by adding matter and Mark by removing matter. Structures are created by performing these actions over a period of time. The starting point of this exhibition is that with autonomous work, both spatial and 2 dimensional, the ‘architectural skins’ of the city were explored in order to discover and articulate the processes and/or structures. In particular, the ‘skins’ of the city of Rotterdam.

Participating artists: Thomas Trum, Mariëlle Buitendijk, Mark Kramer, Sander Reijgers, Clary Stolte, Jop Vissers Vorstenbosch.

This page highlights Thomas Trum’s mural.

Thomas Trum

Thomas Trum (NL, 1989) works at the intersection of art and design. his work explores the applicability of different techniques. He uses the studio as an experimental space and searches for unconventional means of painting on paper, canvas or walls. For example, he uses a super-sized felt-tip pen, a machine for road lines and brushes attached to a drill. His very active way of working is often based on trial and error: the result of his actions is never predetermined, so enthusiasm and speed remain part of the end result.

In his approach to painting, he tries to learn everything he can about a particular paint or tool before employing it for his work. His method of working on a smaller piece of paper is basically similar to when he creates a large mural. Paint is his muse, whether it is small-scale research or monumental works in public spaces, his colorful applications have great impact.