#dblpng Muchenberger / Brotbeck

Founded in 2017, the Swiss artist duo #dblpng / Pengpengduo, consisting of Patrik Muchenberger (*1979) and Alex Brotbeck (*1978), is based in the cantons of St. Gallen and Thurgau. Under the motto "Perform Reality," they explore the interface between art and society, questioning established art conventions. Their work is characterized by an innovative use of recycled readymades and a distinctive painting technique often described as "Paint Overkill" followed by extraction.

Patrik Muchenberger studied at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) and the University of Applied Arts Vienna, while Alex Brotbeck studied at the Bern University of the Arts (HKB) and the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK). Together, they pursue painterly and graphic approaches, often realized in large-scale, performative actions and immersive installations. Their visual language is frequently influenced by the aesthetics of graffiti art.

A central element of their practice is the ongoing series "Painters Painting" (since 2018), which takes place in diverse locations – from factory halls and sacred spaces to former hotels. Projects such as the expansive installation "ERGÖTZE" (2020) during their summer residency in Weinfelden demonstrate their ability to transform entire buildings using unconventional materials and playful interventions.

Since 2022, #dblpng has increasingly integrated "ultracontemporary elements," particularly Augmented Reality (AR) and NFTs, into their practice. The guerrilla AR installation "Spielheimlich / Angeldust" (2022) at the Kunstmuseum St. Gallen and the AR product "Free Satellite" (2025) highlight their engagement with new technologies and digital forms of expression. Their artistic stance can be summarized by a quote from Patrik Muchenberger: "Economical with resources, lavish in application, we throw art into the space."