JOHAN FRISÒ

On the identity of Joahn Frisò, a Belgian artist living in the heart of Franciacorta for years, many have been said: rich eccentric entrepreneur, descendant of the Belgian royal family.

Like Banksy, he adores to surprise Franciacorta’s inhabitants – he lives in the beautiful Italian valley famous for bubble’s production – with sculptures that usually appear overnight and that are very capable to grab people’s attention and eye. Despite his real roots, Johan Frisò knows how to speak to his public. His artworks aren’t afraid of being harsh and cruel in portraying and telling our society and our lives’ nonsenses led by capitalistic schemes

Johan Frisò often has its say about politics and news stories inevitably provoking people’s outrage and indignation. That’s because his sculptures hit people right deep inside and go straight to the (usually uncomfortable) point.

Often, precisely because they give a clear political reading of news episodes, they have triggered reactions of indignation and countless controversies. Proof of the fact that they get straight to the point and to the heart of the beholder.

Little children clinging to huge tyres, anthropomorphic figures caught in tangles yoga positions along with gorillas, severed leg men and people physically squashed by piles of books are his favourite subjects.

The artist’s mixed and lively creative world, at the end, speaks about human beings focusing on their daily struggles. Nevertheless, this very dark, negative and uncompromised scenario is sometimes lighted up by a glimmer of hope given from human solidarity. From the character that picks his boxer friend up to help him to reach the very tall punching bag to the severed leg father that leans against his son, passing by the guy tenderly hugging a horse.

Technically his sculptures are exquisitely made. Their harmonic and sleek proportions echo Egyptian statues ‘serene composure while using bright and shining hues gives a contemporary patina. Well dosed chromatics evoke natural elements, chakras, and alchemy that, all together go into creating a quintessentially anthropological art loved by collectors, art advisors and critics.