↳ Exhibitions

Philip Poppek at C.C.C.

January 19, 2022

Artist: Philip Poppek

Exhibition title: factions

Venue: C.C.C., Copenhagen, Denmark

Date: December 10, 2021 – January 20, 2022

Photography: GRAYSC / all images copyright and courtesy of the artist and C.C.C. Copenhagen

I am happy to show my new work factions at C.C.C. from the 10th of December to the 20th of January 2022.

factions is a series of canvas pieces whose forms are derived from typographical signifiers. These pieces carry traces of their former meaning in their outer shape. As fragments they are no longer of use in creating sense. Broken out of context one could say they become mutilated and muted, not able to speak anymore.

Working with them in the studio, I figured that they have agency nonetheless, that they still have something to say. They were actually more chatty than their minimal appearance might have led me to believe.

Find excerpts on the following pages.

Please enjoy, Philip

Philip Poppek, factions, Poster Image

Philip Poppek, factions, 2021, exhibition view, C.C.C., Copenhagen, photo: GRAYSC

Philip Poppek. The critical observer (whispering) “Up to the moon, everything is stale around. Capitalism has fucked things up for real. No need to argue. I have had the wish of leaving for a long time – but where to go? My solution was to shrink inwards. Enclosed in myself I kept writing reports from the ribbons of my DNA. Finding the “whole” in my very own nucleus. What I observed? Fraudulent proteins, false nuclides, cheating lipids, phony sugars. Being this rotten to the core I realized that I am more a product of this society than I wanted to admit.” 2021. Acrylic on shaped canvas, 94 × 87 cm

Philip Poppek. A successful person (shouting over background noise, hoarse) “If the train is coming, you have to jump on it – shu shuuuuu! If you don’t go for it, I will! And don’t forget that any agenda alongside will do. More important to keep the pace – so start shoveling coal, baby!”, Acrylic on shaped canvas, 158 × 60 cm

Philip Poppek, factions, 2021, exhibition view, C.C.C., Copenhagen, photo: GRAYSC

Philip Poppek. A funny nutritionist (chuckling) “It’s pretty interesting how things change over time. A couple of years ago an avocado was considered a green thing. Very healthy with good fats plus 20 vitamins and minerals. I did advocate for their consumption. Which… wait: made me an avocado advocate – haha! Well, joke aside, now where we have learned all about it’s water demanding planting procedure, the vast roding of rainforest, the pesticides etc. it’s not appearing so green anymore. I urge everyone now, if you want to do something good for our earth – do not eat avocados. But, if you still like something green, then simply cucumber could be the solution.” 2021. Acrylic on shaped canvas, 145 × 25 cm

Philip Poppek. The head of department (friendly) “Even if I have a leading position it does not mean that I dont understand the feelings of my employees. The desires and fears. Their needs. I make sure to listen and always have an open ear. Leading with a heart is what I like to call it.” 2021. Acrylic on shaped canvas, 160 × 38 cm

Philip Poppek. A jobless (unconcentrated, husky) “Despite all misery… do not stop believing in yourself… thankful… recognize the rainbow, it comes for free… is a certainty… I almost believe in… like myself.” 2021. Acrylic on shaped canvas, 159 × 69 cm

Philip Poppek, factions, 2021, exhibition view, C.C.C., Copenhagen, photo: GRAYSC

Philip Poppek. The radical (haunting) “Do you really trust them? I mean how do you tell the truth from lies? I only trust myself and what I’ve seen with my own eyes. That’s for sure. And I think that everybody who’s believing the current bullshit, who doesn’t question… I mean come on: bats, injecting unknown substances into your body? – That‘s crazy stuff! Some say this is a radical opinion, but I am just looking at the bare facts. Watch out – in the future only the brave will survive.” 2021. Acrylic on shaped canvas, 131 × 75 cm

Philip Poppek. The newly arrived foreigner (accent) “It’s an oh-invoking phenomena with these laws in our world and their working. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. I can tell you from my own experience. So far all apples are falling down, but getting on planes or ships can be complicated for certain ones. I guess we’ll have to draw a line between Isaac Newton and Colin Powell. That’s apples and pears, or what would you say in Denmark?” 2021. Acrylic on shaped canvas, 142 × 48 cm