Francheska Coenraads (b.1997) of Venezuelan-Dutch blood, multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans illustration, sculpture, Painting and tattoo, currently working on Gadigal Land, Australia.
gathering of natural charms was an inherent and habitual pastime for Francheska in childhood. Over time, learning to inject form, ethos and character into the various trinkets; combining and forging unique designs alongside a thirst to explore different worlds through art. In voyages through distant corners of culture and counterculture, Francheska has collected not only charms but has discovered an ever-expanding list of mediums through which they can divine physical manifestations of an almost alien dialect. Elements of the natural and supernatural intertwine in Francheska's work, drawing credence from regions of witchcraft, occultism, naturalism, theology, science.
Sculpting/digital sculpting/3D printing, painting, drawing/digital drawing, tattooing and textiles among other mediums, find their way into Francheska's output. Presently working from a home studio, Sydney.
Art does not always end at aesthetic and function. Francheska aims to realise art that is endless by subverting culturally endemic creative tropes; utilising elements of the supernatural to continue the art's manifestation once the work is complete. In the natural world, the end of physical life does not bring about the destruction of soul or intention. So, too in the case of Francheska's work; the tangible piece may be damaged or destroyed yet, its reason for being can remain intact. Only enlightenment, reconciliation, judgement or epiphany may put a work of art to rest.
Concepts of the History of witchcraft, magic, The Occult, theology and mythology fuel the work. From ancient animal worship and shamanism, through to alchemy and divination to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in 21st-century literature, movies, and television.
The Earth’s story and traditions are documented through art. Art and other wonders of the world have been created by humans and non-humans alike, serving as a portal for connection to other worlds of endless forms. These have any number of spiritual, narrative, philosophical, symbolic, conceptual, documentary, decorative, functional and other purposes. The talismanic structures which bind the body of work are formed as a consequence of an ideology; an intimate narrative about a place and its elements or energy.
These collections become charmed ingredients for a spell.
These intentions do not imperil its entity.