Artling Exclusive: PHUNK's Monsieur & Madame Robo

Singaporean artist collective PHUNK has just released their latest collection of 'Monsieur Robo' and 'Madame Robo' sculptures, available exclusively on The Artling until 31 May! These sculptures are part of PHUNK's celebration of their 25 years of art-making.

PHUNK was founded in 1994 by Alvin Tan, Melvin Chee, Jackson Tan, and William Chan when they were studying at the Lasalle College of the Arts (Singapore). They developed a novel approach to collective art-making based on the collaborative aesthetic of a rock-and-roll band and informed by a shared interest in urban subcultures. Across the years, they have developed a visual signature that seamlessly blends and reinterprets their diverse influences. From traditional Chinese craft and philosophy, Hong Kong Wuxia pulp fiction, and Japanese subcultures to Western pop culture and art and design movements, they have propagated a singular visual signature that reflects their multi-cultural identity, background, and environment.

The concept of universality in the age of modern globalisation is a constant theme in their works. These characters exist in a futuristic universe called Daydream Nation, an artificially constructed utopia filled with fond memories of youth and eccentric characters. Among these characters are 'Monsieur' and 'Madame' Robo, who are often seen together as a harmonious pair. In this technologically advanced nation, these Robos take on their own unique characteristics. 'Madame Robo' is programmed to receive the emotion of happiness, spreading positivity with the rest of her fellow citizens. 'Monsieur Robo' takes on the identity of a Frenchman in a robot suit and often accompanies 'Madame Robo' on her journeys through Daydream Nation. The forms of Monsieur & Madame Robo were first explored in a collaboration with STPI in a series of prints created exclusively for the gallery. 

Through their 25 year journey as an art collective, PHUNK has continued to reimagine and challenge the typical boundaries of art making. When they first started their art practice in the 90s, they were just coming out of school and looking to inject something new into Singapore's art scene, which they saw as a "cultural desert" at the time. Monsieur & Madame Robo are similarly aiming to inject happiness into an otherwise dull and conforming society.

These playful sculptures are available online exclusively to The Artling until 31 May! 

Click here to view the full collection!