When a simple idea is executed well, it can be very satisfying. When we say “simple,” we mean objects you look at all the time, or tools you probably use every day. Hugo Rocci was a master of noticing these things. In his most recent series, he paints humble brushes—“a homage to the brush as a tool,” an idea he says came after a visit to Pigment, a store in Tokyo that displays brushes on the walls. “We often overlook the beauty of objects we use every day, focusing only on their function rather than their form.”
Hugo was attracted by the fascination of things we miss or overlook. “Tools, machines, building materials and furniture are often valued for their practicality, but they also have a primitive and understated beauty. They are an important part of our daily lives, but we rarely stop to look at them.” So, he will keep his eyes open during his travels and actively look for them.
Perhaps it was his upbringing that allowed him to see the world in this way, which he ultimately translated into art. He grew up in the south of France and after completing his education he moved to Amsterdam to study at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie and developed a love for textiles, ceramics, books and painting. As a graduate he started a studio with some friends and the “aha” moment really began. “I’ve always been a collector of objects,” he admits.
“These days I collect paintbrushes, wooden rulers, honey bears – don’t ask me why. I’ve been collecting things since I was a kid.” The idea was to start bringing these objects into his work and to establish a bookstore, print shop and publishing house with Terry Bleu – where he could collaborate with artists and bring his love of material things into the world.
So, as an avid collector and keen observer, what caught his eye and how did he find it? Above all, it is “a simple and humble presence.” All he has to do is frame and isolate these familiar objects to gain a closer, more photographic perspective, “noticing the subtle charm, texture, color and elegance of the things we pass by on a regular basis.” The most important thing for him is to slow down and notice what is in front of him.
When he found an object, he would start sketching it and then bring the idea to canvas – rough cotton and linen objects he liked to buy at a nearby market. He then traces with pencil, the lines often visible in the result, and moistens the canvas with water and pigments from De Kat, which he said was a windmill in Zaandam, making his own pigments and mixing them with casein. “This allows me to control whether the paint is thick or very thin, and I use it as the first layer to lay down the color.” He also uses oil paint to create a “clearer, thicker, shinier” effect when he wants.
Hugo has just returned from a trip to South Korea and is now immersed in a new series of paintings focusing on kitchen appliances such as cooling fans, scales and clocks. He plans to turn it into a series, and maybe they might make you think about things around you in a different light.
His work is not only well-made and pleasing to the eye, but it also makes you realize how much beauty surrounds you. They also tend to spark a lot of conversation with avid collectors like himself. “I’m always happy to share my love for collecting and engage in dialogue with my audience,” he concluded.
“I’m often surprised how many people tell me about their own collections of brushes or other objects. I really love that. People care so much about carefully crafted objects and the stories behind them, and I think this work creates a space for sharing those stories.”
