Interview: Fant Wenger
Luca Curci talks with Fant Wenger during his solo exhibition FREQUENCY at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

It’s all about Frequency – that is the imperative and seemingly programmatic title of a painting from the series of the same name by Fant Wenger. An extensive group of works has been created on this topic since 2016, which includes paintings as well as installations, performances and videos. In said painting, the artist interweaves elements that are characteristic of the whole series, above all the color scheme. The picture is covered by a light whose unreal red and partial yellow and white glazing seem unreal; Blur edges and things dissolve. We look into a landscape that oscillates between Mediterranean beauty and abysmal wildness. The motif is reproduced in photographic realism, but the use of ambiguous perspectives and strange juxtapositions as well as this energetic colourfulness suggest an imagined or even dreamed reality.

Luca Curci – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
Fant Wenger – My artistic practice has been on the topic of frequency since 2016. However, I try not to set myself any limits, instead I see frequency as a researching art laboratory that generates new ideas and opens up channels for me at all levels of my artistic work.

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
FW – While working, I think a lot about the statement and the composition. For me, content and aesthetics are very important in art! That’s why I like to work longer on a topic in order to be able to get to the bottom of the questions.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
FW – As mentioned, my art topic has been related to frequencies for a long time! The topic gives me the artistic freedom to work on this field with painting, film, audio and performance, and to reach the viewer through various channels.

LC – How do you choose your subjects? Is it a reasoned or an instinctive process?
FW – When choosing my subject, I proceed well-founded and conceptually, instinct accompanies me while I work. The choice of medium is instinctive.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
FW – The moment when a job is completed is liberating for me. It can take a long time before I find my peace with my work, because finding the ideal time for it is a great challenge! Which, however, is part of being an artist.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?
FW – I think Itsliquid’s vision is great because its primary goal is to show art! The topic of fragmented identities fits perfectly with my current work, as I seek contact with many different identities with my art.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
FW – In my currently exhibited works, there are protagonists of bygone days, I see myself as a kind of antenna or receiver that seeks connection with them! I am searching and researching who is looking for contact! The video work Reconnected 2020 explores this topic in more detail.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
FW – I enjoy working with Itsliquid! Since I met Luca and Giulia in Basel in 2019, our ideas about collaboration and art projects have also evolved! As an artist, I always want to come up with new ideas, and I think Itsliquid Group can do it!

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
FW – My suggestions for Itsliquid Group would be to test out new formats and concepts for art. I am convinced that this can only be a win!

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
FW – Itsliquid Group is an excellent international platform that offers a lot of exchange for artists and art lovers. In any case, my vision will evolve.