View works. Volcan
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"Volcan is the collaborative practice of Rex (Dutch) and Edna (Colombian), a London-based artist duo whose work bridges personal memory, global storytelling, and material sustainability. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds—Rex's journey through photography and lived experience, and Edna's roots in fashion and craftsmanship—their art transforms salvaged materials into evocative reflections of place, resilience, and identity. Through series like ROADWORKS and their contribution to the Venice Biennale, Volcan challenges the conventions of contemporary art by upcycling urban remnants rich with history. For them, sustainability is not just about reuse, but remembrance—a way to honor the social, emotional, and geographic narratives embedded in discarded materials, and to offer a more human, inclusive vision for the future of art."

 

Their collaborative practice delves into human behavior and perception, employing global storytelling to reflect on contemporary life. By blending diverse cultural influences, they create thought-provoking art that invites viewers to engage deeply with societal dynamics.

In 2024, Volcan participated in the 60th Venice Biennale, presenting their series "Offline: Refugee Remembrance Wall" in the Republic of Cameroon Pavilion. This poignant work utilizes the symbol of an incomplete charging circle to represent the unfinished journeys of refugees lost at sea, juxtaposed with vibrant backgrounds that evoke both hope and the stark realities of displacement.

 

Their ROADWORKS series exemplifies their commitment to sustainability and personal narrative. By upcycling materials like tar, paint, and urban fragments, they preserve the histories embedded in these elements, transforming them into artworks that honor their origins and the shared human experiences they encapsulate. Each piece is tied to significant locations and moments in Rex's life, marking his journey away from a hostile environment and symbolizing personal growth and transformation.

 

Edna's background in fashion and craftsmanship, combined with Rex's experience as an award-winning creative director in advertising, informs their unique approach to art-making. Together, they challenge traditional art practices by reimagining the role of discarded materials, emphasizing sustainability not just environmentally but as a critique of overconsumption in the art world. Their work encourages a shift from novelty and perfection to valuing what already exists, fostering a more thoughtful and inclusive artistic practice.