Tobias is interested in contrast; something/nothing, function/form, art as monumental/incidental. He is uncomfortable with his place in the art and design world and says of his work "I don't want to make 'art' or 'design' necessarily...it's just stuff...extra stuff in the world...art galleries and design showrooms are places were I have been able to do what I do...but that doesn't make what I do either."

The Bubble Club Chair, designed by P. Starck, tranformed into a lamp is a piece likely to provoke the two worlds. It has a self-explanatory title, THIS IS A LAMP, which could be read as an instruction, and is interested in form and function and denial of function. This reverses the tradition of many modern artists titling their works as 'untitled.' A large symmetrically halved piece of furniture with its cut side butt-up against a mirror to re-complete itself (in its reflection) links ideas to other works; denial of function, careful use of space, use of everyday objects, the fabric of the gallery/showroom incorporated into the work itself.

Much of Tobi's work can be seen fundamentally as conceptual art; art as idea, where what we view is the vehicle for an idea. He is continually questioning the notion of authorship, the role of the artist and value of art/his art. Tobi is uncomfortable with "uniqueness and preciousness" as well as ownership. Many of his works have associations with design. Tobi says that one of the things he likes about design is that more people can own it than "lets say a sort of unique sculpture."


tobias@brokenoff.com
     

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