Robert Vanecke – calligraffiti artist

Calligraffiti is an art form combining calligraphy, typography and graffiti, integrating letters and signs into complex compositions. Through forms referring to letters, Robert Vanecke conveys a broader message by aesthetically changing them to go beyond literality, by transforming words and characters, or groups thereof, into complex visual compositions. For Robert, calligraffiti is an aesthetic and intellectual experience, combining tradition with modern uncontrollable self-expression. Calligraffiti is definitely more than traditional handwriting. It is a way to translate commonly known forms into a completely new symbolism.

He studied art and graphic. As a member of IAXAI Group he has exhibited his artworks at individual and collective exhibitions in Poland, Sweden, France, Spain and Belgium. He participated in art fairs and salons in Toulouse, France, Warsaw, Poland, Luxembourg, Brussel, Belgium and Art Fair Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France.

Robert’s Calligraffiti is a unique form, different from commonly recognized styles of calligraphic art. It acquires the features of abstract symbolism because it does not recognize any rules, while traditional calligraphy is subject to them. As a conscious representative of calligraffiti, Robert Vanecke breaks from the principles of typography and allows himself to transform and deconstruct letters and combine them with other symbols and signs in a very creative way. He prefers to use characters from his own dictionary to create visual compositions, new languages. The technique of calligraffiti is characterized by directness in its entirety and finesse in detail.

Letters, writing, signs and symbols become an image and an abstraction. On the other hand, shapes and icons become a language. He creates pseudo-calligraffiti as a complete abstraction in which the letters in combination with the characters do not form an unambiguous message: the content is left to the recipient’s interpretation.

The beauty and attractiveness of calligraffiti

Robert’s Calligraffiti is a complex process: paradoxical because it is characterized and consists of many elements that seem contradictory. It combines tradition with modernity. On the one hand, Robert Vanecke plays with the beauty and attractiveness of forms, on the other, he provokes in a sophisticated way. The signs are precise but also full of spontaneity. Philosophical undertones, clearly defined theme, simplicity of composition – they allude to but are not a clear message. Even though the first impression may be literal, after a moment of reflection one realizes that his work is metaphorical. Each time, in every calligraffiti, the artist seems to have a clear overall vision of the whole. Robert Vanecke goes from individual shapes to a larger image – a wide, often open composition where individual elements force viewers to reflect and require the author to create the work consciously. The composition is intended to elicit a specific reflection or reaction in the recipient. There is no room for correction: every element of the work arises a la prima – the work method requires the artist’s practice, accuracy and foresight.

Robert Vanecke Bio

Robert Vanecke was raised in a family o functionaries. He was a rebellious boy, frequently changed schools, became independent at 18, interrupted and resumed studies. His fascination with calligraphy goes back to his childhood when, by using icons and symbols, he created his own alphabet.
Rob studied parallel linguistics and graphic art, learned calligraphy art in Japan and tried monastic life in China. He practices a combination of four traditional systems perpetuated over the millennia: Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga and Chinese calligraphy.
Robert Vanecke adheres to post-painterly abstraction. While followers of this trend are ruthless in rejecting the inner and mysticism of abstract expressionism, Robert creates his own way of perceiving and communicating, his own approaches to the composition and basic elements of the medium itself: form, color, texture and scale.

Robert Vanecke Art Statement

“Pseudologia Fantastica” a series, which refers to the theory of lies, is a good example of it. Robert attempts in and by his works, to define and capture this eternal human vice. Like philosophers, ethicists, logicians, semanticists, semiotics, psychologists, sociologists and, finally, linguists, Robert encodes his insights and reflections on the nature of lies. The artist presents in an abstract way the universality of the lie and its various forms.
The Pseudo-Fantastica series transforms abstract symbols into an integral part of the story in the pictures. His calligraffiti forms combine cultural heritage. The composition is a journey of transformation. Simple colors, forms, almost ascetic compositions.
Robert is attracted to handwriting, to ancient calligraphy and the tradition of ink-painting. A journey to the beginnings of human culture.

Robert Vanecke asemic writing is a process inspired by handwriting. This is a completely abstract visual creation deprived of any specific semantic meaning and therefore open to every possible interpretation. Calligraffiti is an art form that combines calligraphy, typography and graffiti. Calligraffiti and calligraphy art integrates signs referring to lettering in compositions that form a broader, symbolic, very emotional message.

Robert’s profile at ONLY-abstract portal