Ultra precise tape art by Tape That
Hi, Tape That. Please introduce your art collective.
We are a collective of six artists and formed TAPE THAT in 2011. Inspired by the possibility to create something new out of an everyday object, we mostly work with adhesive tape as a medium. With roots in the urban art movement, our works range from complex and colorful tape and light installations to minimalist black and white murals. These tape artworks can be found in a variety of places, such as underground nightclubs, abandoned buildings, showrooms and galleries.
While focused on Berlin, the collective is active in many other cities, nationally and internationally, with recent and ongoing projects in Bulgaria (Sofia), Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Battambang), Egypt (Cairo, Minya), Namibia (Windhoek), Peru (Lima), Qatar (Doha), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Spain (Palma de Mallorca), the UK (London) and the USA (Los Angeles).
Please elaborate a bit on the term Tape Art
As the term suggests, Tape Art can be considered an art that is made out of any kind of adhesive tape. While this up and coming art form has grown rapidly over the last 10 years, its beginning cannot unequivocally be pinpointed down in time: Even though adhesives tapes have long been used in the arts for various purposes, they were usually not the predominant means of expression, but rather a technical aid. The emancipation to an autonomous and self-sufficient medium to create art with, is most likely to be found in and also intertwined with the beginning of the urban art movement. Its removable and temporary nature makes it a popular medium to use on any surface it sticks to.
This unique feature makes it possible to easily integrate the local surroundings, especially in a temporary fashion. In the same way as there are lots of various types of adhesives materials, the approaches to create tape art with them are very diverse as well. The most commonly used materials are cloth or duct tapes, paper tapes, packaging tapes or plastic tapes and foils. Depending on the specific features of the individual materials, certain styles developed over time that cover a large spectrum from abstract to realistic art.
That’s interesting. How does your collective work?
We create artworks made solely out of adhesive tape – tapes of all colors, sizes and materials. Our artworks range from room-filling installations to abstract structures combined with light projections and classical tape art murals – we strive to push the boundaries of what most people perceive possible to do with ordinary tape. Since tape art is a young art form, people are amazed by the idea itself and the ability to witness the creative process first hand: we often create our artworks in live performances in which the audience gets the chance to interact with the artists and to follow the progress of the artwork.
Being a young art form, most people are surprised (sometimes even sceptical) when they first get in contact with tape art. Time and time again, this surprise turns into amazement when the bits and pieces come together and people see the finished artwork.
Where do you see yourself in the art world?
Through our work we have had the opportunity to spread tape art as an art form and to introduce it to people around the globe who were unaware of its existence. This is probably the most rewarding aspect of our work, and we are more than excited to be a part of a movement that is just beginning.
What is the most fascinating aspect of tape art to you?
Our fascination for tape art lies in the combination of endless creative possibilities and the natural limitations that one has to deal with while working with tape. We are constantly challenged and inspired by the different characteristics of this medium, and the ways in which it influences our creative process. It is important for us to always involve the surrounding environment when creating each piece, thus ensuring a unique expression that fits within its context.
Some of our artworks are simplistic and minimal, while others consist of intricate and complex structures. Working as a collective, each of us contribute our own unique styles and ideas, that complement and inspire the group’s work as a whole. Each project has a strong focus on cooperation – not only within the collective but also with the organizations we work with, other artists, art enthusiasts and art novices.
Tape That ★ Art collective resume
We are TAPE THAT – an artist collective based in Berlin. We create our artworks out of adhesives tapes. Our works range from plain minimalistic black and white murals to complex and colorful light- and video installations. These can be found in exhibitions, galleries, abandoned buildings, clubs, showrooms, pop-up stores, offices, events or on fair stands and facades. Each of our artworks is unique as we are inspired by and incorporate the spatial circumstances. We are fascinated by the idea to create art out of an everyday object that most people take for granted. Although based in Berlin, we regularly travel the world to raise awareness of tape art and establish it as an acknowledged form of art.
Thanks a lot guys.
Instagram: @tape.that
Facebook: facebook.com/tapethat
