Discovering Franko B: Art, Performance, And Legacy

Savanah Lebsack 14 May 2025

Does art have the power to confront us with the uncomfortable truths of our existence? Franko b's unflinching exploration of the human condition through visceral performance art certainly suggests that it does. He challenges us to look beyond the surface and grapple with the realities of suffering, mortality, and the societal structures that perpetuate vulnerability.

Franko b, born Franco Bosisio in Milan in 1960, is an Italian artist whose career has been marked by a fearless commitment to using his body as a canvas for exploring complex themes. Since moving to London in 1979, he has become a significant figure in the world of performance art, pushing boundaries and sparking dialogue with his often-controversial and deeply personal works. His art encompasses drawing, installation, and sculpture, but it is his performance art, particularly his "bleeding performances" of the 1990s, that have cemented his reputation as a pioneering and provocative voice.

Franko b: Biographical and Professional Information
Personal Information	Birth Name: Franco Bosisio Pseudonym: Franko b Born: 1960, Milan, Italy Nationality: Italian Residence: London, United Kingdom (since 1979)
Education	Camberwell College of Arts, London (studied) Chelsea College of Art, London (studied until 1999)
Career and Practice	Occupation: Visual Artist, Performance Artist Mediums: Performance, Installation, Sculpture, Drawing Themes: Personal, Political, Poetic, Resistance, Suffering, Mortality, Vulnerability, Isolation, Seduction, Benevolence, Confrontation, Eroticism Notable Performances: Seminal bleeding performances (1990s), I miss you (Tate Modern)
Exhibitions and Performances	Tate Modern, London ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts), London South London Gallery PAC (Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea), Milan International venues: Moscow, Geneva, Zagreb, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Copenhagen
Key Ideas and Approaches	Uses his body as a tool to explore profound themes. Confronts contemporary politics through the lens of the vulnerable individual. Champions the rights of the "unloved" and those marginalized by society. Work oscillates between isolation and seduction, suffering and eroticism, punk and poetry.
Website	Franko b on Artnet

b’s work is not for the faint of heart. He delves into the depths of human experience, confronting viewers with images and actions that are often unsettling and challenging. His performances frequently involve blood, a potent symbol of pain, vulnerability, and the fragility of life. However, his use of blood is not gratuitous. It is a deliberate and carefully considered element, employed to provoke reflection on the human condition and the societal forces that inflict suffering. In “i’m here, present but disembodied,” he offers a stark portrait of a failing society, using his own body as a representation of the collective pain and alienation that pervades contemporary life.

The artist's willingness to expose himself, both physically and emotionally, is a crucial aspect of his practice. He invites viewers to witness his vulnerability, to share in his pain, and to confront their own discomfort with the realities of suffering and mortality. By pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in art, he forces us to question our assumptions and to engage with difficult and often overlooked aspects of the human experience. His work is a testament to the power of art to challenge, provoke, and ultimately, to inspire empathy and understanding.

One might ask, is Franko b a "live art artist" or a "performance artist?" The artist himself dismisses the distinction, stating, "No, it does not matter what you call it, you can call it what you want. I am an artist that happens to use performance as his" means of expression. This sentiment underscores the fluidity and adaptability of his practice, as he seamlessly integrates various mediums and approaches to convey his message.

His work is situated somewhere between isolation and seduction, benevolence and confrontation, suffering and eroticism, punk and poetry. This complex interplay of opposing forces creates a dynamic tension that draws viewers in and challenges them to grapple with the inherent contradictions of human existence. He doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche, but he also finds moments of beauty and transcendence within the suffering. This duality is what makes his work so compelling and enduring.

Franko b’s commitment to championing the rights of the "unloved" has been a consistent thread throughout his career. Since his seminal bleeding performances in the 1990s, he has used his art to advocate for those marginalized and forgotten by society. In a world where indifference and apathy often prevail, his work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and social justice.

His performances are not simply acts of self-expression; they are carefully constructed interventions designed to disrupt the status quo and to challenge prevailing power structures. He uses his body as a political tool, exposing the vulnerabilities and injustices that often remain hidden from view. In a society that often prioritizes conformity and obedience, his work is a call to resistance, a reminder that art can be a powerful force for social change.

The 2009 performance "I Miss You," staged in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, exemplified his ability to create profound and moving experiences within a large-scale setting. This work, like many of his others, explored themes of loss, longing, and the search for connection in a fragmented world. By transforming the Turbine Hall into a space of intimate reflection, he invited viewers to confront their own feelings of isolation and to consider the importance of human connection in a world that often feels increasingly disconnected.

Franko b's artistic journey has not been without its challenges and controversies. His willingness to push boundaries and to confront difficult subject matter has often drawn criticism and condemnation. However, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to his artistic vision, refusing to compromise his integrity or to shy away from uncomfortable truths. His resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to other artists and activists who are working to create a more just and equitable world.

His impact extends beyond the art world, influencing discussions on body politics, social justice, and the role of art in society. He challenges us to question our assumptions, to confront our fears, and to engage with the world in a more meaningful and compassionate way. His work is a testament to the power of art to transform individuals and societies.

Looking at the current climate, where Ireland is grappling with the legacy of abuse perpetrated by the church and state, Franko b's art resonates with particular urgency. His advocacy on behalf of those failed by institutions designed to protect them speaks directly to the ongoing struggles for accountability and justice. He confronts us with the uncomfortable realities of power imbalances and the devastating consequences of systemic neglect.

His work constantly adapts to, and reflects, contemporary political discourse. Trawling the media everyday, his body of work responds to contemporary politics through the lens of the vulnerable individual, it’s a statement on the current political state.

Whether through drawing, installation, performance, or sculpture, Franko b's art consistently challenges us to confront the complexities of the human condition. He is not interested in providing easy answers or comforting illusions. Instead, he invites us to grapple with difficult questions, to embrace our vulnerabilities, and to find meaning and connection in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain. His work is a testament to the enduring power of art to provoke, inspire, and ultimately, to transform.

His educational background, including studies at the Camberwell College of Arts and the Chelsea College of Art until 1999, provided him with a solid foundation in artistic techniques and critical thinking. However, it is his life experiences and his unwavering commitment to exploring the depths of human emotion that have truly shaped his artistic vision.

The opportunity to engage with Franko b's work is not one to be missed. His art offers a unique and often unsettling perspective on the world, challenging us to confront uncomfortable truths and to engage with difficult emotions. By pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in art, he opens up new possibilities for dialogue, understanding, and social change.

Franko b's legacy as a pioneering artist and activist is secure. His fearless exploration of the human condition, his unwavering commitment to social justice, and his willingness to push boundaries have made him a significant figure in the world of contemporary art. His work will continue to challenge, provoke, and inspire for generations to come.

His works of art are available for purchase, so feel free to discover and purchase Franko b’s artworks, available for sale and Browse a wide selection of paintings, prints, and sculptures by the artist, and find art you love.

Using innovative body mapping techniques of a film made up of thousands of found images, franko b revisits his seminal bloodletting works for the first time. This revisitation offers a fresh perspective on his earlier work, contextualizing it within the contemporary landscape and highlighting the enduring relevance of his themes. The use of body mapping techniques allows for a deeper exploration of the physical and emotional dimensions of his performances, revealing new layers of meaning and complexity.