The vibrant and wacky world of pop art has seen the emergence of a luminary whose creative brilliance knows no bounds – Fringe. Hailing from South Africa, this artists name has become synonymous with avant-garde innovation and visionary prowess. Fringe’s artistic journey, marked by a convergence of captivating paintings on canvas, and intricately crafted figurative sculptures in plastic and bronze, stands as a testament to his global acclaim.
In the last decade Fringe has established himself as the reigning champion of South African pop art. His series of well-timed solo exhibitions have propelled his distinctive creations to the forefront of the global art scene. With thirteen major solo exhibitions under his belt, each marked by a complete sell-out of his captivating pieces, Fringe is now viewed as a savvy commentator on our world of high consumerism, and ubiquitous popular culture.
Born in the late 70s, Fringe transitioned from a background in banking to the illustrious realm of fine art. This shift allowed him to seamlessly merge branding symbols with thought-provoking imagery, resulting in works that resonate deeply with art-lovers, aficionados and serious collectors alike. It is the combination of familiar characters, brands and slogans that make for messages about the artist’s personal experience of our ever-changing, urban landscape.
About the meanings embedded in his imagery, Fringe has said: “My art is essentially my analysis of life with its supremely fast pace. If we blink, we miss.”
What defines Fringe’s trajectory is his unceasing evolution as an artist. Each exhibition serves as a testament to his growth. His diverse artistic discipline spans the application of oils on canvas, the harmonious fusion of mixed media, and the creation of striking sculptures using resin and bronze.
Fringe’s standout sculpture series, ‘Gutinke Meine’—translated as ‘My Sweetheart’—exemplifies his masterful skill with both resin and bronze. This futuristic, yet playful character, forever-changing, stands as a testament to his ability to transcend traditional boundaries in sculpture form.
Fringe’s solo exhibitions have included the following spanning various continents: The Very Definition (South Africa, Germany 2017) Don’t Blink (South Africa, Germany 2018)
Porsche 911 exhibition (Desom Luxembourg, 2019) No Seriously (South Africa, Germany 2020). In December 2021 he held a Solo show at Gallery 508 in London.
In February 2022, he held a solo exhibition, titled Calculus of Joy, at Scapegoat Gallery in Hyde Park. VIK gallery in Milan, April 2022, Calculus of Joy – Galerie Augustine – September 2022 MEC Museum Palermo, October 2022, In the best of all possible worlds – Frank Fluegel Galerie Germany, November 2023 and forthcoming shows in the US in 2024. His exhibitions pay particular attention to their contexts, and he has shone light on serious subjects like mall culture, mass production and waste which have allowed his works to grace renowned international galleries including Scapegoat Gallery (South Africa), The White Room Gallery (Hamptons, US), Galerie Augustin (Vienna, Austria), and Frank Fluegel Galerie (Kitzbuehel, Austria & Nuremburg, Germany) among others.
Fringe’s ability to seamlessly blend diverse mediums and transcend conventional artistic boundaries cements his position as an artistic luminary. Yet Fringe is not just an African sensation; he is a force reshaping the landscape of contemporary art on a global scale. As the Middle East market embraces diverse artistry, Fringe emerges as a standout figure, a prodigious talent poised to etch his name in the annals of artistic history.