Artists

Txus Parras

Txus Parras was born in Madrid in 1962 and grew up in Switzerland. In the late 80’s he decided to make his way to Berlin, where he has resided ever since. Txus belongs to the old school of the Tacheles Arthouse and is one of the most famous art activists on the Berlin scene even considered by many as the “Banksy of Berlin”.

His art pieces are inspired mainly by early Indian art, psychedelic art, street art and Dadaism, which has at its roots the desire to engage the viewer socially and politically. His philosophy is expressed through Dadaist aesthetics challenging in a disruptive way bourgeoisie contemporary art.

The Tacheles Arthouse was a very inspiring place and highly influential for him. In this environment he learned art his way and became outspoken and uncompromising. “The Tacheles’ artists wanted to send out a strong signal. They wanted to establish a place where they could exchange knowledge and communicate in an uncompromising way. That’s the way we want to continue. Although the artists have been evicted, the philosophy of Tacheles will continue in our art.”

His intention is that his art and the message it carries will be passed on to the next generation. He understands art as the best form of communication and education. Through his work he takes an antagonist role, so he likes to provoke thought. His expressive forms are a form of provocation and scandal. It’s where the borders between art and life crumble into one.

Moreover, he doesn’t believe his art belongs to the Academy, neither in context of the classical interpretation of art. It’s not art for an older more conservative audience but belongs to an anthropological and ancestral art that has to do with dreams, visions and desire. “Today, 26 years later, I can say that Tacheles was my school, it was a place where everything was questioned, because good education brings into question pedagogy itself. And especially because I could share that with people from all over the world – capitalising on the wealth of diversity. Many people ask me about my inspirations, but I’m just trying to be human and honest.”

Txus uses all kinds of techniques and materials that belong to street art and subculture, like sprays, labels and silkscreen printed on objects and clothes. He has got his own technique and his own design, which makes his art unique and instantly recognisable.

His concept of creating art needs to be closely linked with contemporary everyday life. “I have no interest in masturbation. My art has more to do with healthy communication, the point is to explain and shed light on history. A good artist has to get involved in the society, as well as to create a reflection on life. His purpose is not to entertain the privileged classes. I am here to strengthen social equality and that’s why I like how the Klassenfeind Gallery makes art accessible to all.”