artbook

GLENN BRACKE
Art Progressive


Introduction
Art Progressive is new, exciting and cutting edge. The collection created by Glenn Bracke in this book is a true exam- ple of Art Progressive at its finest. Over many years, Glenn has worked tirelessly perfecting ideas and creating unique, thought provoking works of Art.
Glenn shows in his various works that he is someone who thinks deeply about society and howit continues to evol- ve. “Art should never be devoid of social responsibility”, says the Belgian artist, who seizes every confrontation with nature, object or human subject to think completely outside the box. Exploring new horizons to create surprising and exciting new combinations. Glenn confronts the public with cutting - edge creativity in deep and thoughtful and sometimes dark ways. “I seek to create work that conveys a meaningful message with a touch of humour,” he says.
There are no boundaries for Glenn, not between different art forms and mediums and certainly not when it comes to his creative ideas. His inspiration can come from anywhere and often leads him to switch to new innovative levels. He uses his ability to think in multiple layers to create objects with a surprising twist, that make people stop and think.
He has the ability to translate his ideas into concrete plans of action. It is not unusual for him to have a brainwave in the middle of the night. When this happens he immediately gets out of bed and jots down the technical and logistical implications of his ideas. He will not return to bed until he has worked out all the practicalities related to realising his new ideas. These actions come from his desire for perfection and his passion and attention to detail.
With his unbridled inventiveness and fount of creativity displayed in his work, Glenn successfully manages to presentt stories and situations that are thought-provoking and touch the soul. The fact that he uses unusual and sometimes unconventional methods to present his work, is not surprising. However, shock tactics do not motivate him - he is only committed to presenting his ideas and work in their purist forms. Glenn Bracke is not someone who will stay in his comfort zone. By constantly questioning everything, looking for new opportunities and different combinations, he continues to break new ground. The work included in this book is a testament to all that Glenn is and how he views the world.
Some young people baulk at the very notion of self expression through creativity. This was very different for Glenn Bracke who grew up in a family of screen printers. During his childhood, he was forever putting all kinds of structures and creations together. On occasions he would disappear, usually the garden, only to reappear sometime later with objects made of all kinds of things he had found. At the age of ten Glenn began screen printing, developing his own unique style and methods.
“In any aspect of art“, he says, “whether that be music, literature, painting, artists try to express themselves. I see art as a way of relating great stories and strong emotions.” Glenn believes that every form and every material has its own metaphorical powers.
This artist realises all too well that his work and way of thinking may on occasion meet with controversy, however he believes that this is part of being an artist creative, storyteller. Every object that Glenn sees or touches triggers an automatic reaction within him, which makes him wonder whether there is any artistic potential in it. Art in all forms is a real passion for him.
Within these pages, Glenn presents his work in all forms. Allowing for the first time, his collections to be viewed to- gether as one body of work. Some of the pieces and themes included have gained international recognition in their own right. Many, however, are presented here for the first time. Glenn’s work can be discovered, enjoyed and cele- brated.
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Glenn Bracke Portrait. (2015)
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Biography
Glenn Bracke was born into a family of silk-screen printers on March 25th 1970.
In the years that followed, Glenn developed a keen interest in silk-screen printing. As a result of this he soon followed directly in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, taking his family heritage to a third generation.
Born and raised in a Belgian city named Aalst, famous for its history in printing by virtue of the 15th century printer and editor Dirk Martens. Glenn over time developed his personal printing style and techniques.
Throughout the seventies, silk-screen printing and design became extremely popular among artists, Andy War- hol being one on the leading components at that time. During this period Glenn was inspired to study silk-scree- ning and photography. After completing his national service, Glenn, at the age of twenty, opened his first silk- screen printing company, called Glenn Tex which specialised in full colour T-shirt design and print.
As his passion for printing and art grew, so did his interest in photography. Developing this by creating powerful studies of performance artists and personalities such as Bryan Ferry, Randy Jones, Shaggy, Eros Ramazotti, Grace Jones and Nile Rodgers. Glenn began experimenting with diverse techniques all related to photographic life studies.
This hugely creative and experimental period in Glenn’s life inspired him to create a number of unique art col- lections. Some of which were exhibited in 2014 at the Art Style Gallery in Knokke, a city on the Belgian coast, well known for its many prestigious art galleries. Later that same year, Glenn presented his art work in Cannes, during the world famous Film Festival. The centrepiece of this show was truly stunning and imaginative screen icon ‘Grace’. Its unveiling on the official opening of the festival and premiere of the film Grace - Nicole Kidman playing the lead - took place on the red carpet in the presence of the worlds press.
Also during the festival, another work - ‘Shopping in Paris’ - was exhibited at the Niki Beach Club and his ‘Studio 54’ piece was presented at the exhibition of Chambre Noire.
In the summer of 2014, Glenn participated in a contest for young artists through the national television’s culture website - Cobra. ‘Shopping in Paris’ was nominated out of 700 candidates and was amongst ten winning art- works exhibited at the M Museum in Leuven.
Later that year, Glenn embarked on his most ambitious and challenging project to date. Entitled - ‘Bones’ - this project took him more than a year to complete and was presented for the first time at the end of August 2015, by invitation of the Amsterdam International Art Fair. The complete installation was exhibited in the main square adjoining the Fair itself. For the duration of the public show, thousands of art enthusiasts were able to visit Glen- n’s stunning art installation. Both visually challenging and thought provoking, this work of art comes with a very strong message - Stop Polluting Our Oceans. It is Glenn’s intention that ‘Bones’ be toured around the world to raise awareness of this important environmental issue.
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Glenn’s inspiration comes from personal observations and life experiences, his next major piece derives from modern day society - ‘Face...Book’. This is made in bronze and features a life size face and book supported by the artists own hand, also in bronze. Completed in early 2016 this unique piece was shown for this first time in April that year, at the Imagination Art Show in Brussels. The show itself ran for ten days and included more than forty examples of Glenn’s work. The project was a collaboration between art and music and featured live performances by Leee John from Imagination and Plastic Bertrand. The Imagination Art Show was Glenn’s first major showing of his work and was very well received. In response to numerous requests to repeat this, Glenn agreed to tour the Imagination Art Show. Holland was the first stop and in early June 2016 the Imagination Art Show was the central feature of the ARTR.I.P Expo located in the beautiful countryside area of Bergen. In 2017 Glenn’s work was featured during the Cannes Film Festival at the same time and in support of the World Peace Night - ‘Adventure of Humanity’. Glenn worked with Richard Nilsson and his organisation to create a wall of peace. This is first to be installed at the Oxygen Villa Cannes. The project based on the creation of bronze hands. In attendance for the launch and to participate in the creation of first hands of peace, were Jampa Phur- ba Dorjee Lama and Jermaine Jackson.
Glenn is exciting the art world with his creative, revolutionary art offerings. However his perceptions of life embrace all human senses. In late 2016, Glenn had a revelation which lead him to Bertrand Duchafour. This meeting of minds became a collaboration like no other. Over more than a year after their first meeting and after much hard work, “The Scent of Art” perfume was delivered to the world. A fusion of all senses and emotions, Glenn’s fragrance is unique, powerful and exciting!
Constantly pushing the boundaries and exploring creative ideas, Glenn is currently working on a number of exciting new works. He believes strongly that “Art can change your world” and his work is a testament to this.
Many of Glenn’s collections and works have been exhibited internationally in recent times. Throughout 2018 and beyond Glenn intends to positively contribute to society and his environment.
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Index
Introduction Biography Bronze
Black & White Shopping in Paris Yello Movement Colour Reformation Installations
Art & Artists Expositions
1 3 7
25
41
57
71
85
93
101 115
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Bronze
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My Tool. (2017)
Solid bronze patiné with mirror - Edition of 2
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The Love Machine. (2015)
Solid bronze on bronze Tree - Edition of 8 Gold and Silver
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The Love Machine. (2018)
Solid bronze
on bronze Tree - 2/2 White
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Scream. (2017)
Solid bronze Skull - painted white and colour - Edition of 1
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Think Forever. (2017)
Solid bronze painted white
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Think Forever. (2017)
Solid bronze painted - Army version - 1/1
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Many of Glenn’s collections and works have
Scream. (2016)
Solid bronze polished skull - 1/1
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Selfie. (2017)
Solid bronze Polaroid version A
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Selfie. (2017)
Solid bronze Polaroid version B
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Face...Book. (2016)
Bronze hand of Glenn Bracke as bookstand
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Each bronze piece is hand-made in the true image of the living subject - Now they will be forever present. Glenn creates every commission, crafting each piece to meet the specifications of the individual client. This makes his bronze Face...Book unique in every way.
Working with the finest bronze, gold, silver and precious stones, Glenn’s Face...Book commemorative bronze sculptures act as the ultimate tribute.
Face...Book. (2016)
Bronze
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Second Life. (2016)
Solid Bronze Parachute with silk parachute Natural bronze and white versions - 2/2
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Second Life. (2016)
As installation with projector and wind turbine - 2/2
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Black & White
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The Birdman. (2015)
Centre Pompidou - Paris
On plexi or canvas - Open edition - 80x120 cm
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Venice. (2014)
Photo on plexi - Open edition - 80x120 cm
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Oxford Selfie. (2014)
Photo on plexi or canvas - 100x150 cm - Open edition
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The perfectionist. (2017)
Photo on plexi - 1/1 - 80x120 cm
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Underground. (2011)
Photo on plexi - 1/1 - 80x120 cm - Open edition
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Lost. (2015)
Photo on plexi - 1/1 - 80x120 cm - Open edition
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Metal in Paris. (2015)
Photo on canvas - 1/5 - 100x150 cm
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Ocean Cleaner. (2016)
Photo and paint on canvas - 100x150 cm - 1/1
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Emotions - London. (2014)
Photo on plexi (100x150 cm) or canvas (100x150 cm) - Open edition
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Containers - Barcelona. (2014)
Photo on plexi (100x150 cm) or canvas (100x150 cm)
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Rush. (2014)
Photo on plexi - 80x120 cm - 1/5
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Storm over St Paul’s - London. (2018)
Photo on plexi - 80x120 cm - 1/5
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Scream. (2015)
Mixed media on wooden pallet - 100x120 cm - 1/4
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Fairy tale. (2015)
Mixed media on wooden pallet - 80x120 cm - 1/4
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Shopping in Paris
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Shopping in Paris. (2013)
Original - Painted on canvas - 100x150 cm - 1/1
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Shopping in Paris
This combination of live action photography and paint on canvas has been recognised as nothing less than a “Triumph“. Winning numerous awards internationally “Shopping in Paris“ is truly inspired. Its eye catching appeal and popularity has lead to the collection Glenn has now created. He has taken “Shopping in Paris“ from the canvas and placed in the centre of everyday life. This original conceptual art piece has now been produced in many different ways, using multiple mediums.
“Shopping in Paris“ makes a big statement about Glenn and his creativity. However he leaves it to the individual to decide its true meaning.
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Shopping in Paris - Trolley. (2015)
Original Flight Troley - Edition of 1
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Shopping in Paris - The Chaise Longue. (1905-2017)
Sofa decorated in Shopping in Paris print - 1/1
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Shopping in Paris - Couture Jacket. (2016)
Jacket decorated in Shopping in Paris print - Limited edition
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Nile Rodgers and Glenn Bracke - London. (2016)
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Shopping Crossing - Brussels. (2016)
Edition of 5 on plexi
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