“dog
a single dog
walking alone on a hot sidewalk of
summer
appears to have the power
of ten thousand gods.
why is this?”
— Charles Bukowski

Spontaneity

Certain kinds of art might be deepened with philosophical or theoretical reflection, or might rely heavily on art history. For Chantal Rens’ work, this layer of reference does not apply. Instead, her work shows the spontaneity of creation, and what happens when the objects of every day are assembled lovingly. In this sense, spontaneity is simple and humble and speaks for itself.

Walks, and the little things

Through taking walks, Chantal collects ideas and images. We often do reflect on daily routines nor notice how many impulses are striking us while walking through the streets in our neighbourhoods. That little dog with its owner passing by each afternoon, the street cat that seems to belong to nobody, the meticulously shaved hedge the budded flower that bends over. The images Rens captures are often fleeting moments that do not represent anything in particular other than a momentary registration. That is why Chantal Rens’s collages, sculptures and objects fascinate us: they mirror what it means to ‘be in the moment’ and to be human.

The coincident

A coincidence is inherently unplanned and spontaneous. A child does not usually draw to complete a picture. Similarly, Rens’ neighbourhood walks can best be described as wanderings that aim for no place. They are solely meant to clear her head. In Rens’s artistic practice capturing an image, whether in photography or collage, is drawing a moment where everything comes together coincidentally. The same could be said for the viewer: when one perceives an artwork. When what the viewer sees locks into place, a sudden experience can come. For example, a moment of surprise, being on the verge of waking up or a sensation of a bodily vibration.

Happiness at SEA Foundation

Without being priestly, Rens’ work tries to accommodate this lively energy. Here, happiness is something that can not be contained or transmitted It happens of its own accord. All one needs to do is look around at what is already there. YOU RUN AROUND TOWN LIKE A FOOL AND YOU THINK THAT IT’S GROOVY features works of analogue collages and prints. As well as sculptures and interventions in the exhibition space and shop window at SEA Foundation. Moreover, her upcoming artist book YOU RUN AROUND TOWN LIKE A FOOL AND YOU THINK THAT IT’S GROOVY 2 will be launched. And there will be many new, wonderful objects on show that may simply hit on your happiness too.

The commission and exhibition are part of fold #03 on Happiness, SEA Foundation’s research on art and sustainability.

Read more on artist Chantal Rens.