This autumn, we’ll take you on a tour of Groningen’s creative and artistic hotspots. The creative minds behind these places will be delighted to tell you all about them. Feel free to draw inspiration from them. For example, Paul and Albert form the design duo Paul & Albert. A studio that creates striking pieces at the intersection of art and design. They’ll tell you about the beauty of creation, the importance of wonder, and where else in Groningen you can indulge your (artistic) passion.
From idea to design
In an old graansilo on Noorderhaven, Paul and Albert work on a variety of striking designs. Paul & Albert' s home port A reference to the boiling point of water. ''The moment when ideas start bubbling and they come out via steam,'' Paul explains. Together, they make objects that find their place mostly in public spaces. But they also create tableware, carpets and exhibition interiors. Creations that grab your attention and make you think. A work process that starts from scratch with every commission. In terms of form, nothing is ever fixed in advance. This allows us to go in all directions'', says Albert. ''We start with an idea in our heads and that eventually manifests itself in a form. Sometimes we hit it on the spot, other times the dime falls later'', Paul adds.
The two men met at the Minerva Academy of Art and quickly formed a strong bond. They set up their own agency whilst still studying. Over the years, their style evolved increasingly from graphic to spatial – from 2D to 3D. “We translate a story into an image or an object. That gives us even more scope to express emotion. The more spatially we began to work, the more we thought: this is brilliant,” says Paul.
“ ‘Spatial design opens up endless possibilities’ ”
The art of showcasing
They enjoy working at the intersection of art and design, creating designs that are visually appealing whilst also conveying a message – one that is clear to the viewer. “Our work is highly communicative. You see it, understand it and it makes you think. You’re welcome to take a second look, of course, but it has to make an immediate impression,” says Paul. Design with a mission, then. This takes shape in a number of projects.
Thus the Noorderplantsoen was the scene of Personal Square. With a nod to keeping distance. The content of the square is the space every Dutch person would have if we divided all space equally. ''It doesn't have to be complicated to appeal to you. Four yellow stripes say enough, it's about the deeper meaning,'' says Albert.
“ ‘You see it, understand it and it makes you think’ ”
Creating with a mission
A design by Paul & Albert. also tells a story at the Synagogue on Folkingestraat. That of the deportation of 3,000 Jews from this neighbourhood during World War II. In response to this history, a large gold-coloured artwork, Home, stands on the second floor of the synagogue. Hand-decorated with 300 stars made of brass. One star for each person returned. When the sun is right, the rays shine through the stars. As a point of light. So that we never forget that there is light in the darkness. ''We make work that people care about. That make them look at the world and themselves differently. Experiencing art is mirroring yourself,'' said Paul.
The pair therefore encourage everyone to experience art or to create it themselves. They believe there’s a creative spirit in everyone. It’s never too late to start. “Turning your thoughts into reality is the most wonderful thing there is. It takes time and energy, but you get three times as much back,” says Albert. “And keep challenging yourself. Make sure the project you’re working on right now is your best yet. Give it your all: there’s no such thing as ‘half-hearted’,” says Paul.
Tips from Paul and Albert
“A village that’s sprung up out of nowhere where there’s always something to do,” says Paul. “Groningen has a certain charm, with a good, down-to-earth attitude,” adds Albert. The pair feel at home in Groningen. Paul grew up here, whilst Albert moved here later. The latter also regularly ventures out into the countryside. “You can find peace and quiet there, before heading back into the city centre to soak up the liveliness again.”
One of the places Paul likes to look for outside the city are the many churches. ''People go all the way to Italy to see old churches, but they are just in our province. Here you have more of them and they are more beautiful.'' Albert moves on to Noordpolderzijl. ''Go there for an overnight stay,'' he tips. ''Then you'll be in the middle of nowhere for a while.''
Inside the city walls, the gentlemen also have their favourite spots. ''The Forum remains an asset,'' says Paul. ''It gives the city allure. Whether you like it or not: it sets the city in motion.'' To end the days, they like to go to typical pubs. Those that are just a little bit different. ''Take MOUT,'' says Albert. ''A pub that is just a little bit different from the rest. With a unique atmosphere. A typical example of how we do things in Groningen.''
“ ‘Places that celebrate beauty’ ”
