Freunde von Freunden

We are an international interview magazine, that portraits people of diverse creative and cultural backgrounds in their homes or within their daily working environments. Our content aspires to present multifaceted personal perspectives including impressions of cities, various art scenes and international urban living. FvF wants to stay borderless and attract a global readership by introducing real characters with a honest approach.

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FvF Portrait | Open for Business: How a Tattoo Artist and a Children's Clothing Designer Set Up Shop in The Hague

We were glad to follow along the busy lives of the Hagenaar couple, children’s clothing designer Karina Sandvliet and tattoo artist Kim Rense.

To us, their individual worlds seemed miles apart, with a distinct grittiness at Kim’s parlor, and an ethereal atmosphere at Karina’s shop Frankey Sue. However, the two work literally across the street from each other, and also found a way of bridging their interests in their lively home. See how they built their motley world with a little help from friends and family here.

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FvF Workplace | Artists Peter Eramian and Stelios Kallinikou represent the new creative energy of Cyprus

Thkio Ppalies is the little Cypriot art studio which is pushing the country's culture of art at blitz speed.

Fittingly, the name translates to chop, chop in English and was the brainchild of two artists, Peter Eramian and Stelios Kallinikou. They’ve seen Europe’s typical art destinations, and feel more potential to express their creativity in the rawness of their home. Read our friend and FvF contributor, Vanessa Oberin’s insights into their journey through print, photography politics and more here.

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FvF Journal | Fluid Fashion: International designers present their creations at Florence’s Palazzo Pitti

In our latest journal, our friend Dennis Swiatkowski photographed the city’s elegance in full bloom during the Pitti Uomo 90 in Florence.

His soft rendition of otherwise exuberant settings and guests resulted in some timeless images. The photographer also caught up with a few of our old friends such as fashion designer Hien Le to get their take on the trends for the season. See his full journey through the stunning city here.

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Photo Series | Exploring Creative Expression in the Surfing Industry

Surf Odyssey explored the creative niches of the surfing world and shared work as incredible as the sensation of the sport itself.

The alternative design-focused perspective shows a general change in the surf culture, with surfers becoming informed artists capturing the raw pleasure of each rugged spot or set of waves they encounter. See more from the peripheries of the oceanic world here.

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Photo Series | June Kim And Michelle Cho Illusory Architectural in Other-On

Two friends June Kim and Michelle Cho have created an M. C. Escher inspired photo series entitled “Other-On” featuring women amid vibrant architectural settings.

The images were captured in Los Angeles, New Mexico, and Spain, displaying nuances of each cultural context. Explore more of the pastel dreamscapes in Ignant’s feature on the duo.

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Art Pilgrimage | 24 Stops Project Marks a Path Between Two Countries with the Art of Tobias Rehberger

Along a five kilometer stretch of countryside between Weil am Rhein and Riehen, there are now 24 art installation for voyagers to explore.

The inspiration for the project was to promote a more intimate connection to cross-cultural histories, stories and ecology. Sponsored by Swatch, the German artist Tobias Rehberger who is otherwise known for his hypnotizing contemporary installations has created pieces that invite the playful imagination of travelers to interact. Get a first impression for the project here.

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Photo Series | Dennis Swiatkowski‘s Photographs Rebelliously Explore Human Purity

Our friend Dennis Swiatkowski describes himself as eternally captivated by the human body—imperfections included.

That’s why his subjects are provocatively uncovered in stillness and celebration. Much of his inspiration comes from the geographic isolation and resulting introspective calmness of Cape Town. Read up on the rebellious photographer here, and look for our upcoming piece about him soon.

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FvF Portrait | The East Berlin atelier of musician and painter Markus Manowski

Markus Manowski, AKA Daze Maxim clutters his studio space with interdisciplinary works—all of which are in a dialogue with one another.

His abstract blurring of paint on canvas casts a haze on his electronic music composition. The artist is forever experimenting trying to find a multifaceted response to the bleak realities of life. We got a feel for his approach in our visit to his studio. Find it here.

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Opening | Berlin’s Panama Restaurant Opens Its Doors as of June 21 

Panama Restaurant fires up its kitchen with a custom recipe of soul food with exotic accents as of June 21st.

This latest addition to Contemporary Food Lab is located on Potsdamer Straße 91, and offers equally intriguing dishes such as Doruc pork cheek, white radish with sour rhubarb. For a menu as adventurous and wholesome as the city itself, drop by the casual establishment at 5 pm or later. See the full details here.

June 21, Panama Restaurant & Bar | Potsdamer Straße 91, Berlin | 17h

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Gallery Photo Tour | Inside the New Tate Modern Building: Switch House

The new addition to the Tate Modern adds 60% more space to the contemporary art museum in London. Inside, it exhibited a wide array of multimedia art when it opened on June 17th.

Installations, performances by Alexandra Pirici & Manuel Pelmus enacting a piece by painter Eugene Delacroix, sculptures, photography, videos and even two live parrots for the Hélio Oiticica’s installation “Tropicália“ were all a part of the motley exhibition. The lack of traditional paint on canvas works in tandem with the simple architecture send the clear message that this space is about today and beyond. Get a second peek inside here.

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Publication Launch: Folch Insights, a Blog with Ephemeral Content

Our interview with friend Albert Folch, revealed the graphic designer to be unique in his ability to oscillate between disciplines and themes. Recently Albert launched the Folch Insights project which publishes pieces for only 5000 views.

Once the limit is reached the piece is no longer available. The idea is in response to the archival nature of internet publications, and the need to return to the spirit of ephemeral print. Glimpse into the innovative content and format including what is now an interview with Andrew Losowsky of the Coral Project—though there’s no guarantee that’s what you’ll actually get.

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Architecture | Frieze Magazine Explores if the Venice Architecture Biennale Is Ethical

This year, Venice’s Biennale re-centered itself around the theme of ”Reporting from the Front.”An image of archaeologist Maria Reiche intrigued by the Nazca lines in Peru inspired many participants to become political.

The Dutch pavilion’s exhibition, entitled ‘BLUE: Architecture of UN Peacekeeping Missions’ explored the 3D Comprehensive Approach to the UN’s counterinsurgency missions. However, Frieze Magazine’s Carson Chan and Patrik Schumacher, director of Zaha Hadid Architects, dug a little deeper to question if the festival was truly ethical. Both cite the architecture biennale’s complacency with it’s own establishment as a key factor to consider. Get a fuller picture of the issue here.

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Photo Series & Interview | Outliers: Insights into a New Alpinism

Mountaineer Jordi Tosas and alpine rescuer Michel Lanne are the subjects of a short film about mountain climbing as not just a recreation but a philosophy.

In an interview with Sidetracked, they shared what they’ve learned and seen at higher altitudes. Both climbers tell that the best route to the peak of a mountain is made through reconnecting to and respecting the natural elements—ideas which have a profound converse effect on usual standards of conformity. Read more about their journeys here.

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Photo Series and Exhibition | A Retrospective of Steve Schapiro’s Portraiture

The American photographer who’s documented icons such as David Bowie and Martin Luther King Jr.  shared selected shots from his “Heroes” exhibition now on in London, as well as insights in a recent article by Huck Magazine.

While being a participant in significant historical moments was important for the artist, ultimately his ability to reach others through his work was what fulfilled him the most. As he looks back it is the images that carry a relevant message which he still returns to. Get a preview of the exhibition, here.

9 June – 20 August, Atlas Gallery | 49 Dorset Street London | 10-18 Mon - Fri, 11-17 Sat

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Mini Documentary | Quyllur Rit'i in the Andes: a Purification Pilgrimage

The short film climbs to great heights during the Quyllur Rit'i festival when ten thousand people traverse the glaciers of the Andes at the beginning of the winter solstice.

Lima-based director Jorge Luis Baca followed through the Sinakara Valley and captured stunning images of not only rugged terrain, but also the intricate dances and costumes of the ritual’s participants. For a better understanding of the event and its connections to agriculture and astronomy, view the film on Nowness.

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Photo Series | Venetian Architecture Leaves an Eerie Impression in a Collective Reflection

The book “Dream of Venice Architecture” is the product of 36 designers, writers, and thinkers reflecting on the ancient city as being a palimpsest due to modern life.

A selection of images by Curbed from the recent publication offers a haunting photo essay which shines a light on Venice’s fragility. The images make it possible to visualize he city as not only a historical source of inspiration for poets and artists, but also a contemporary source for more political and design trends. See more from the water-enveloped site here.

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FvF Link List # 53 | Aqua Orchestration in Art and Fashion Design

For our newest Link List we’ve surfed through the sea of content on the web, and collected our favorite stories featuring art, fashion, fiction and more.

Since our interview, our good friend conceptual artist Olafur Eliasson has build an intriguing aqua installation at Versailles. Meanwhile Adidas got a little deeper with oceanic-inspired sneaker design. Check out others who have stayed safely at shore here.