Rummelsnuff and Asbach

Käpt’n Rummelsnuff and Maat Asbach are more than just musicians to us. With their songs, especially their powerful sea shanties, they embody strength, authenticity, and the passion with which they approach life and art. Their music is direct, raw, and honest, qualities that also guide our own art. We are fascinated by how they translate everyday life, hard work, and life at sea into an artistic language that resonates with us deeply.

We aimed to encapsulate this energy in the Cruxials. The decision to portray both as “crucified” figures is particularly fitting in this case. It also symbolizes the “crosses” that we, as artists, carry, the struggles, sacrifices, and dedication that flow into our creative work. It is a homage to their strength and resilience.

Käpt’n Rummelsnuff, born Roger Baptist, is a German musician and actor known for his unique blend of electro-punk and sea shanties. His music, which he refers to as Derbe Strommusik (“rough current music”), often centers on themes of hard labor, strength training, and life at sea. For several years, he has been accompanied by his Maat (mate), Christian Asbach, a tenor-baritone whose powerful voice enriches Rummelsnuff’s music. Together, they have released several albums, including Rummelsnuff & Asbach and Äquatortaufe (“Equator Baptism”).

The portraits created as part of the Cruxials series aim to capture the striking characteristics and powerful presence of the two musicians. Through the use of materials and techniques characteristic of us at F.A.C., we have created portraits that reflect both the physical and artistic qualities of Rummelsnuff and Asbach. These Cruxials serve as a tribute to the two artists and emphasize the connection between music and visual art.

The depiction of the two musicians merges portraiture with the crucifixion motif, capturing not only the physical presence of Käpt’n Rummelsnuff and Asbach but also referencing the “crosses” that artists like them bear in their creative careers: the constant pursuit of authenticity and artistic truth in an often commercialized and standardized world.

The portrait of Käpt’n Rummelsnuff emphasizes his physical presence, associated with strength training, muscles, and labor. At the same time, it highlights his aura as a charismatic performer. The striking features, muscular details, and restrained melancholy in the facial expression reflect a multifaceted personality, a sailor who embodies not only strength but also emotional depth.

The portrait of the Maat, on the other hand, highlights his role as a complement and supporter of the Käpt’n. The closed posture and the friendly expression of his figure emphasize the harmony between wit and composure that defines his presence. Both portraits are characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic textures that recall the rough seas and working environments often thematized in Rummelsnuff’s music.

We have remained true to our unmistakable style in these works. The surface textures of the sculptures convey a raw yet precise aesthetic. The use of vibrant tones, an intense blue and an earthy red, enhances the expressive character of the works.

The Cruxials are more than just sculptures. They are a tribute to the connection between music and visual art. Käpt’n Rummelsnuff and Asbach have carved out a unique niche with their sea shanties and of course with derbe Strommusik too. Their art is physical, honest, and direct, qualities that F.A.C. reflects in its work. These portraits capture not only the physical but also the artistic essence of the two musicians, transporting them to another dimension.