volcan
rex & edna
contemporary story tellers
Volcan, the Dutch/Colombian duo of Rex and Edna, examines human behavior and perceptions through global storytelling. Their work, blending diverse cultural influences, offers insights into modern society. In 2024, they participate in the 60th Venice Biennale, further cementing their international presence. Edna’s fashion expertise and Rex’s creative direction combine to create thought-provoking art that invites viewers to engage with contemporary life. Based in London’s Notting Hill, their studio serves as a creative hub where they continuously push the boundaries of narrative-driven art.
→ About Rex & Edna VOLCAN
OFFLINE :
REFUGEE REMEMBRANCE WALL
Medium: PAINTINGS - ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
VENICE BIENNALE 60th -Republic of Cameroon Pavilion
“Upon examining the artwork, one instantly recognizes the "charging circle," a prevalent modern symbol indicating the completion of a digital download. This symbol has become a staple in our technology-driven world, symbolizing both the ease and frustrations of digital progress. Occasionally, this circle fulfills its promise swiftly, yet at times, it taunts us with its incomplete loop, leaving tasks unfinished and stirring a sense of dread. Another striking aspect is the subjects' blurred faces beneath this incomplete circle, introducing a feeling of unfamiliarity and distance, mirroring the frustrating incompleteness of the circle. Contrasting these themes, the artwork's vibrant backgrounds evoke liveliness and passion, particularly with the use of strong yellow. However, this juxtaposition leads to a jarring confusion, as the cheerful colors clash with the discomfort triggered by the unfinished circle and obscured faces, prompting us to ponder whether we truly feel joy or restlessness in our constant state of pending completion.
The series "Offline, Refugee Remembrance Wall" poignantly symbolizes the incomplete journey of refugees lost in the Mediterranean Sea, embodying unfinished lives cut abruptly "offline". This refugee remembrance wall evokes deep emotions by honoring the courage and hope of individuals embarking on perilous journeys, only to be overwhelmed by the sea's unforgiving nature. The artwork uses vibrant colors to capture the essence of human optimism, strength, and determination, juxtaposed with blurred faces that highlight the personal tragedies and lost identities. The recurring motif of a charging but incomplete circle serves as a haunting metaphor for life's unfulfilled tasks and ambitions, underscoring the fragmented reality faced by refugees in their quest for safety.”
By Amédée Waters | Art Journalist
the girl with the thousand hidING places
This series is an ode to the emotional essence of Abstract art, and in particular the art of Mark Rothko.
However, this series is also very much an ode to all those countless victims of wars and natural disasters. The distraught immigrants who, against all odds, try their utmost to realize a better and, above all, a safer life for themselves and their loved ones in a distant and unknown country in Europe. May this work give them the strength not to give up, not now and not ever.
“The Girl With The Thousand Hiding Places” tells the story of a traumatized young woman who is the only member of her family to escape the suffering of war in her devastated homeland.
After years of pain, sorrow and traumatic experiences, she finally manages to reach Europe after many wanderings. First Spain first, then England - London to be precise – which in those days still part of Europe.
By chance she comes into contact with the work of Mark Rothko, which will completely change her outlook on life.
It teaches her to focus, almost meditatively, on the beauty she wishes to see in her surroundings instead of all the misery and destruction she was forced to wintness until then.
With this she can make a choice. With this she can abstract the harsh reality and finally take control.
Literally and figuratively by viewing the world through the fingers of her hand, from that moment on, she is able to select what she wants to see and what she does not. What she wants to feel and what she does not!
And so, for the first time in her life, she is in control. Her own small, simple but safe new world full of beauty, colour and personal happiness.
Medium: Photography- Art prints
offline
This remarkable series of painted portraits illuminates the unyielding spirit of hope within the often opaque worlds of fashion and advertising, specifically through the extraordinary journeys of young women who started their lives as refugees. These remarkable individuals left everything behind in their destroyed homelands, seeking a safer, more promising existence far from the turmoil that once defined their lives. Each painting, with its ethereal, blurred imagery, symbolizes not just the paths these women have traversed within the fashion industry but also their profound journey from the ashes of their past to the limelight of recognition. Facing exploitation and lingering in obscurity, they remained unwavering in their pursuit to carve out a space for themselves in an industry that seldom offers second chances.
The recurring motif of a charging circle in their portraits embodies the essence of power, ambition, and an unbreakable will, underscoring the relentless cycle of struggle and triumph. This symbol serves as a beacon of their fearless perseverance, propelling them from the margins to the center stage of the fashion world. "OFFLINE" paintings transcends a mere celebration of accomplishment; it delves deep into the demographics of fashion and advertising to highlight the formidable resilience required to navigate such a labyrinthine industry. By focusing on former refugees who have redefined the narrative of success, the collection not only showcases their inspiring tales of survival and victory but also casts a critical eye on the industry's dynamics. This audacious exposition in Venice during the Biennale thus honors these women's incredible journeys from devastation to success, marking a poignant commentary on resilience, hope, and the undying search for a better tomorrow.
Medium: Paintings - Acrylic on cavas
ROadworks
The art series "ROADWORKS" holds profound significance for artist Rex Volcan as it reflects the intricate tapestry of his life's journey. Coming from a fragmented family background, Rex experienced a nomadic existence early on, wandering the streets of Europe like a "Refugee from his home." His quest was not just for a better life but a deeper, more personal pursuit for identity and self-expression. Amidst the solitude of his travels, Rex found an unexpected muse in the stark, unrefined beauty of the streets. This raw aesthetic ignited a passion within him, transforming his view of the world and, subsequently, his artistic voice.
"ROADWORKS" is an art series that blurs the lines between landscapes and self-portraits. Utilizing materials such as tar, stone, mixed media, and objects discovered on the streets, Rex crafts pieces that are both a physical manifestation of his life's journey and a metaphorical exploration of his inner world. Each artwork serves as a chapter in the narrative of how Rex navigated his tumultuous early years to emerge as the artist and individual he is today. The series doesn't just showcase Rex's unique artistic style; it encapsulates his resilience, his evolution, and his enduring love for the underappreciated beauty of urban decay. In essence, "ROADWORKS" is not merely an art series; it is Rex Volcan's autobiography, written in the language of streets that once were his refuge and inspiration.
Medium: Mix Media: Tar, acrylic paint, oil bars, road paint, fire, found objects from the street
RARE IMAGES OF A PLACE CALLED HEAVEN AND CHILDREN OF A HIGHER GOD
“Rare images of a place called Heaven and children of a higher God” depicts a poetic interplay between classical antiquity and modern day-today life, in an almost new contemporary renaissance style.
Full of symbolism, love, hope, drama and suspense with the universal hope that good will always triumph over evil, but with the bitter knowledge that unfortunately this will not always be the case in this wonderful dream world.
These hand painted circles in different colors tell a poetic story in a contemporary way. They symbolize prosperity, wholeness, change for the good, gain and loss. They visualize vitality and perfection. At the same time, the circles also symbolize nothingness and absolute freedom. Bound by nothing or no one.
This series is an ode to humanity, to the humans who think differently, to those who try to change the world. This is to the colorful ones creating color and sharing it with the ones who need it most.
They are like human painter’s palettes who try to enlighten the path for themselves and others. They are the ones who shine and give others energy. They are the ones who keep on dreaming. They are the ones with the right compass and the right compassion with a never-ending energy that keeps us hoping.
This is how it will always be, here, now and in the future.
Medium: 250 year antique bible and fable book illustrations with Acrylic paint
