Franciscus & Franciscus are the joined forces of artist F. Franciscus (1959, Utrecht, the Netherlands) and graphic designer Rienus Gündel Franciscus (1967, Dordrecht, the Netherlands). During a work visit in New York in February/ March 2012, Mr. and Mr. Franciscus developed the idea to make these photographic portraits as autonomous art works. Back in Amsterdam they created a whole series of these photographic portraits with the working tittle ‘Digital studies after Memling’. The series is still growing today. The combination of ‘painting’ with digital tools, 15th century portraiture, precise embellishment and point sharp details result in surreal images. These are hard to date but the works are breathing a nostalgic atmosphere. The photo’s have an enchantingly awkward touch and are made with such care that each one of them is an artwork in itself. ‘After Memling’ by Franciscus & Franciscus represent an attempt to re-invent classic 19th and 20th century portrait photography. Thus far there have been exhibitions by Franciscus & Franciscus in galleries, artfairs and museums in the Netherlands, Germany, Russia and the U.S.A.

Rienus Gundel Franciscus is still working as a freelance graphic designer for advertising and design agencies in the Netherlands. He started his working career in 1985 as a window dresser for department store ‘the Bijenkorf’ in the Netherlands. After 7 years he created visual merchandising concepts for other main stores. Also he worked as a stylist for fashion, and as assistent for stage and costume design for theatre. His cooperation with F. Franciscus excits since 1999 designing the book ‘Works of Mercy’ and other publicity material.