ABOUT

René Konings (b.1989) is a Norwegian artist who creates pieces reflecting on the process of urban decay. His art finds the beauty in often overlooked textures of the urban environment such as posters, dirt, rust and peeled paint. This use of rediscovered and repurposed objects and materials with exclusively female portraiture and a subtle use of color, symbolizes the beauty found in the harshness of the rapidly changing and deteriorating life of a street corner.

Growing up in Bergen (NO), he could often be found wandering the streets photographing tags and pieces from his local heroes. This study of the culture turned into an obsession with spots, styles, technique and an exploding scene that captivated a young mind. The mindset of being the kid in the group, always looking up and idolizing those who came before him, is still there. Admiring so many other artists, he quickly concluded that his own work was never good enough to see the light of day, but after receiving the confirmation he needed from family and friends, he took to the streets.

One of the main concepts behind his work is that creation is found in the act of destruction. In the streets, the location is as important as the piece and so is the respect for what already exists. René always makes sure to contribute to the location where he makes an intervention, and reflects on the relationships of the people and the place they call home. 

The portraits have their own story closely related to the message of each piece. They all have names related to this message and every piece offers an introduction to a new personality. Their backstory is never published in its entirety, this is done purposely in order to open up the viewers’ mind to create their own story and interpretations. Genuine emotion, and human quality are his main motives.

CV

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2023 – Living Decay – Galleri Bi-Z – Kristiansand, Norway
2018 – Spread the bird – Haavik Galleri – Kristiansand, Norway
2016 – Bird is the word – Bakgaarden – Kristiansand, Norway

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2023 – RK x Canevil – UNAS – Bergen, Norway
2021 – Streetart – Galleri Bi-Z – Kristiansand, Norway
2019 – A-Laget – Galleri A – Oslo, Norway
2019 – Rembrandt – Spaklers Gallery – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2019 – Urban Portfolio – Galleri Bi-Z – Kristiansand, Norway
2018 – Aesthetic Prosthetic – Skur14 – Bergen, Norway
2018 – Space is the place – The NuArt Gallery, Stavanger, Norway
2017 – EK x Vipers Kristiansand – Haavik Galleri – Kristiansand, Norway
2016 – Stipendutstillingen – Bakgaarden – Kristiansand, Norway

PUBLICATIONS

2023 – NRK – TV interview
2023 – NRK – Online article
2023 – KRS Avis – Interview
2022 – NRK – Litteraturfest på Lillehammer – TV interview
2021 – Universitetet i Agder – Interview
2021 – Fædrelandsvennen – Reader's letter
2018 – Graffiti Street – Feature on NuArt Festival
2018 – KRSby – Interview
2018 – Global Streetart – Interview
2017 – NRK Sørlandet – Online article
2017 – Fædrelandsvennen – Newpaper article
2017 – Studentavisa Unikum – Interview
2017 – 2 minutter Magazine – Interview
2017 – Byliv Sør – Feature on KRS Gadekunstfestival

PROJECTS & FESTIVALS

2022 – Norsk Litteraturfestival – Lillehammer, Norway
2022 – Norah mural – Universitetet i Agder – Kristiansand, Norway
2021 – Commission – Nordoff Bergen – Bergen, Norway
2021 – Brigette mural – Universitetet i Agder – Kristiansand, Norway
2019 – Calle Libre – Vienna, Austria
2018 – NuArt Festival – Stavanger, Norway
2018 – Inés mural – Galeria De Arte Urbana – Lisbon, Portugal
2018 – Hardangerfjord Streetart Festival – Sunde, Norway
2018 – NuArt RAD – Oslo, Norway
2018 – Studentfestivalen UGA – Kristiansand, Norway
2017 – EK x Vipers Kristiansand – Kristiansand, Norway
2017 – KRS Gadekunstfestival – Kristiansand, Norway
2016 – KRS Gadekunstfestival – Kristiansand, Norway