How It's Made
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René invites us to see the urban landscape with new eyes. He shows how discarded materials become art and symbols of transformation, encouraging us to find value in what others call waste.
With a background in graphic design and roots in the vibrant urban art scene, René has explored multiple paths to find his unique artistic voice. In 2018, he started transforming discarded advertising posters from the streets—laying the groundwork for the signature techniques that define his work today.
─ THE PROCESS
Step 1 The material subject
The process begins in the street. A city and specific area are selected, and I search for surfaces, traces, and fragments shaped by time, weather, and human activity.
Step 2 Collecting
Materials are carefully gathered from the streets—posters, stickers, fragments of graffiti, concrete, scrap metal, and more. Each piece is chosen for its texture, character, and story.
Step 3 Sorting
Back in the studio, the collected fragments are sorted and categorized by texture, color, thickness, and character. This stage allows patterns and connections to emerge, shaping the direction of the work to come.
Step 4 Building the Surface
Custom panels are built in the studio to serve as the foundation for the work. These surfaces are prepared to support the weight, texture, and layering of the collected materials.
Step 5 Applying the Image
An illustration is printed and carefully applied to the panel. This layer becomes the visual guide for the composition.
Step 6 Revealing the Layers
The surface is cut, sanded, and burned, allowing the printed image to merge with the textures and layers beneath.
Step 7 Repairing the Background
he background is patched and treated, blending worn and smooth areas to bring out the textures, layers, and character of the materials, setting the stage for the top layer.
Step 8 Cutting
The different pieces are carefully cut by hand using a stencil. Each piece is shaped, colored with spray paint, and prepared to fit the composition.
Step 9 Applying the Pieces
The cut pieces are arranged and adhered to the surface, merging with the textures beneath. This builds the final layer and brings the composition to life.
Step 10 The Final Result
The work is finished with a layer of varnish, enhancing the colors, textures, and depth. The layers come together, revealing the full character and energy of the piece.
