Artwork of the month - video (1 min).

Border Guards - GUM

Year	2026
Size	620 cm x 820 cm x 200 cm
Materials	metal, rope, soil, plants
Edition	1/1
For Sale	Yes, contact our gallery Fred&Ferry (Antwerp, BE)
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Borders demarcate and exclude. They separate one thing from another. But every border also contains a paradox, for where a border exists, the possibility of encounter also arises.

The artist duo Robbert & Frank have constructed two monumental versions of themselves, as border guards, on either side of a crossing. Only when viewed together does their true meaning unfold: the guards do not demarcate, but connect. Their bodies, with hands reaching out to one another, form not a border but a portal. The artists invite you to pass through this portal and thus complete the border guards’ gesture.

Robbert & Frank created this work especially for the new temporary exhibition BORDERS by GUM & Plantentuin. Check out the little wooden suitcase Border Control by F&R R&F, which inspired this monumental sculpture.

During the festive inauguration, the sculptures were consecrated through a planting ritual. Small hops plants were planted by the public at the base of the figures so that they might wind their way upwards and overgrow the sculpture. To mark this festive occasion, a home-brewed herbal drink — made with herbs from the botanical garden where the artwork is located — was served, and a toast was raised to the sounds of the live band SU.FX.

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