Ilad of the bicart - Jan Fabre
Jan Fabre
Ilad of the bicart, 1980-2007
85 x 60 cmPress on photo paper, raised with blue ballpoint pen/bicIlad of the Bic-Art (1980–2007) by Jan Fabre showcases the artist’s innovative use of everyday materials to explore themes of identity, language, and artistic expression. Created with press on photo paper and hand-applied blue ballpoint pen, the piece features a black-and-white photograph inscribed with the phrase “Ilad of the Bic-Art” across the subject’s chest. This playful title, a reversal of “Dali,” reflects Fabre’s engagement with art history while challenging its narratives. Jan Fabre (b. 1958, Antwerp) is known for his multidisciplinary practice, including performance, visual art, and theater. His "Bic-Art" series, which began in the late 1970s, transforms mass-produced materials into tools for profound artistic commentary. In this work, the blue Bic pen ink symbolizes industrial repetition, contrasting with the individuality of the hand-drawn text. Part of a limited-edition series, Ilad of the Bic-Art highlights Fabre’s exploration of the human body as a canvas for inscription, transforming mundane objects into meaningful art and reinforcing his lasting impact on contemporary art.