Golden Years / Acta Est Fabula, a captivating solo exhibition by Studio Job, presented on the occasion of the FuoriSalone 2024. Renowned artist Job Smeets invites audiences to delve into an exploration of
nostalgia, material, and existential angst through a mesmerizing collection of sculptures and works. The exhibition unfolds in two compelling acts, offering a unique insight into both Job's illustrious career and his latest artistic inquiries.
In the first act, Golden Years, visitors are transported to a shimmering realm of intricate opulence. Job's iconic creations contain both contemporary and surrealist themes and are all meticulously hand-crafted in polished bronze in the studio’s atelier, with a level of craftsmanship from a time where extravagance reigned supreme. From the majestic ‘Sword’ and ‘The Raging Bull’ to the intricate brutal realness of ‘Oyster’ and the ‘Worn’ sofa, each piece resonates with the allure of decadence, yet beneath the surface, whispers of disquietude linger as a darker theme emanates.
Transitioning seamlessly into the second act, Acta Est Fabula, Job confronts the audience with a sobering reflection on the transient nature of the existence of design. Through a series of coffin shaped reinterpretations of his seminal furniture designs, Job contemplates the inevitable conclusion of every narrative. As he eloquently states, Acta Est Fabula means ‘The Show is Over’. The question that lies at the core is, is there anything left to tell?" The pieces are created as a conversation between his ‘Curved Chair’ (1998) and its new coffin form, carved out of one single fallen oak tree, in a stark vision of his realization that time is essential. “Every time I create a show or a new collection, I need to go deeper and deeper to surprise myself, and it takes so much from me, this time I nearly went too far.”
With surreal symbolism woven into every sculpture, Job invites viewers to ponder the fragility of time and our relentless march towards the unknown. From the haunting ‘Last Call’ bell to the lifelike drapery of the ‘Worn’ sofa, and poignant ‘Coffin Collection’, each piece acts as a reminder of our mortality and the impermanence of all things. Recurring elements in the exhibition are the eyes, which observe the public from every angle: through the light of the ‘The Raging Bull’, in the panicked ‘Cuckoo’, or hidden in the 'Dresden Baroque', and the presence of animals, always depicted in position of danger, reflecting the instinctive reactions observed in nature just moments before a calamitous event occurs.
Employing an incredible array of traditional and complex techniques, Job skillfully captures the essence of his existential musings, inviting audiences to embark on a journey of introspection and contemplation cloaked in gold. As visitors navigate the exhibition space, they are enveloped in an atmosphere of anticipation, poised on the precipice of a looming storm. "The atmosphere I want to create is the moment before a storm, the alarm bell, the restless animals, the sword. The night before the fall of a nation they still have parties. I predict the story will be over, like every story ends. The exhibition lures you in with its shiny polished bronze beauty, hinting however towards a darker story behind the pieces”.