The exhibition “Free Monsters” explores the idea that nothing is ever truly free. What may seem free at first glance, and is presented as such, is never entirely so.

The Dutch expression “gratis monsters,” meaning “free sample,” inspired Jannes to dig deeper into the idea of “Free Monsters.” How can something be free when so much effort goes into creating it?

And what are people willing to do to get a “free monster”? If Jannes offers something, perhaps the interested party could offer something in return.

Jannes devoted his creativity, used his energy to create, paid for a workspace, clay to sculpt with, and covered the cost of firing the kilns. What can you offer in return? One of your belongings, or perhaps a poem?

Drawing on his background in advertising, Jannes takes an almost philosophical approach to art and life. He enjoys conceptualising and developing theories that emerge while he works. For the “Free Monsters” exhibition, he created a zine explaining and illustrating how the best things in life are, in fact, free.