Within the context of the countrywide DRAWING FRONT event BRADWOLFF PROJECTS presents ‘Muscle Memory’, a solo exhibition of Jakup Ferri. Ferri is known for his seemingly candid drawings on paper, glass and even on walls. He is part of a young generation of artists who as a result of international exhibitions and residency programmes, lead a nomadic existence. Ferri’s work is characterized by simplicity and directness, portraying people in their isolation, alienated from their surroundings.
BRADWOLFF PROJECTS are showing recently manufactured tapestries. In the last few years Ferri has been researching the various handicraft techniques used in folk art, indigenous painting and the creations of outsider artists. He attaches great importance to the authentic and unpolished nature of these works. When at a young age Jakup Ferri came into contact with traditional handmade textile arts, his curiosity was aroused. He began collecting old carpets and rummaged through markets looking for new acquisitions. Due to this fascination he has now converted his drawings into colourful wall hangings, which he produced from traditional materials and had made in various locations including his hometown of Prishtina and in Marowijne, Suriname.
These unique tapestries take us into Ferri’s poetic world full of memories of his youth in Kosovo. The representations of humans and animals are reminiscent of folk art and biblical scenes. A common theme in his work is the desire to have a feeling of solidarity with his family, friends and soul mates. His direct surroundings also serve as his main source of inspiration. At the same time in his work he shows the freedom of his bohemian lifestyle.
Jakup Ferri [1981, Prihtina, Kosovo] studied at the Prishtina Academy and the Rijksakademy in Amsterdam. In 2008 Jakup Ferri received the Buning Brongers Award in Amsterdam. He has participated in divers international exhibitions amongst others Taipei Biennal, Istanbul Biennal and De Hallen in Haarlem.