This autumn, we take you along the creative and artistic hotspots of Groningen. The creatives at these spots will be happy to tell you all about it. Feel free to take your inspiration from them. Paul and Albert, for instance, form the design duo Paul & Albert. A studio that creates striking things on the cutting edge of art and design. They tell you about the beauty of creating, the importance of surprise and where else in Groningen you can find your (artistic) heart's content.
From idea to form
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 Minerva Art Academy and a strong bond was soon forged. Even during their studies, they set up an agency. Over the years, their style developed increasingly from graphic to spatial. From 2D to 3D. ''We translate a story into an image or object. That gives us even more room to express emotion. The more spatial we started working, the more we thought: this is too crazy'', says Paul.
" ''With spatial designs, we can go in any direction' ' "
The art of showing
They like to work at the intersection of art and design. With designs that are visually appealing but also carry a message. A message that is clear to the viewer. ''Our work is strongly communicative. You see it, understand it and it makes you think. An extra look is allowed of course, but it has to come right in,'' Paul says. Design with a mission, in other words. This takes shape in several 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 make you think'' "
Making 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 duo therefore recommends everyone to experience art or make it themselves. There is a creative in everyone, they believe. It is never too late to start. ''Letting your thoughts become reality is the most beautiful thing there is. It takes time and energy but you get that back threefold,'' says Albert. ''And keep challenging yourself. Make sure the project you are working on now is the best one yet. Go full steam ahead: there is no such thing as halfway,'' Paul says.
Tips from Paul and Albert
''An out-of-town village where there is always something to do,'' says Paul. ''Groningen has the charm with a good, down-to-earth mentality,'' Albert adds. The pair feel at home in Groningen. Paul grew up here, Albert joined later. The latter also regularly goes into the province. ''You can find your peace and quiet there, and then seek the liveliness again in the city centre.''
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 with attention to what is beautiful' ' "
