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We are pleased to present painting, sculpture, photography and film by our gallery artists in a group show. Both the gallery and the artists have each invited one guest. Enjoy new findings!
Participating artists:
Justin Andrews, Lars Breuer, Anja Buchheister, Nico Dockx, Judith Egger, Cevdet Erek, Harry Gamboa jr., Niklas Goldbach, Johannes Hartmann, Gordon Hogan, Illustrella, Gudrun Kemsa, Susann Körner, Ramuntcho Matta, Anna McCarthy, Peggy Meinfelder, Sabina Simons, Clea Stracke & Verena Seibt, Thomas Straub, Allard van Hoorn, Veronika Veit, Stefan Wischnewski
Justin Andrews (*1973 in Melbourne, lives and works in Melbourne)
The sharp-edged and precise compositions by Australian artist Justin Andrews reveal his roots in geometric abstraction. Questions of time are of particular interest to the artist who describes his works as “temporal arcs”. As reflections of time and transitory traces of certain events, the images he creates form a dense, arch-like overall structure. Justin Andrews, whose works oscillate between painting, drawing and photography, has not only exhibited many times in Australia and New Zealand, but in Pori/Finland, Amsterdam, Basel, Düsseldorf and other European cities. Works by the artist are represented in public collections, such as the Center for Contemporary Non Objective Art, Brussels, Gesellschaft für Kunst und Gestaltung, Bonn, or the Chartwell Collection of the Auckland Art Gallery, New Zealand.
Lars Breuer (*1974 in Aachen, lives and works in Cologne)
“Luminar” refers to the same-named time machine of the utopian novel Eumenswil (1977) by Ernst Jünger which transfers historical events into the present. For his works, characterized by a geometric and constructivist use of forms as well as a reduced range of colors, Lars Breuer finds various sources of inspiration ranging from literature to art history. In 2015, paintings by the artist will be exhibited at the Museum für Konkrete Kunst, Ingolstadt and – in a solo show – at Kunstverein Paderborn. Works by Lars Breuer can be found in international private collections as well as in public institutions, such as Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst, Aachen, Museum Folkwang, Essen, and Kunsthalle Düsseldorf.
Anja Buchheister (*1978 in Wolfenbüttel, lives and works in Munich)
Even though photography seems to guarantee a high degree of authenticity and realism, Anja Buchheister makes use of this medium just to challenge common viewing patterns and deconstruct notions of the image. Dealing with fragments of nature, the human being and architecture, she transforms her object works and installations into three-dimensionality and creates unusual arrangements through artistic interventions caused by cuts or foldings. In 2013, the artist received the Arts Award (Fine Arts) of the City of Munich. From March 2015, Esther Donatz Gallery presents a solo show by Anja Buchheister.
Nico Dockx (*1974 Ekeren/Antwerp, lives and works in Antwerp)
Harry Gamboa Jr. (*1951, lives and works in Los Angeles)
Having taken pictures in different places, Nico Dockx and Harry Gamboa jr. exhibit two undeveloped single-use cameras in a minimalist setting. What is hidden on those cameras and which new discourses might evolve from the photos, remains open. Nico Dockx expresses his conceptual ideas in installations, publications, texts, performances, soundscapes and films, thereby often collaborating with artists like Lawrence Weiner, Anri Sala or Rirkrit Tiravanija. Likewise complex is the oeuvre of Harry Gamboa Jr. who works as a performance artist, photographer, director and author.
Judith Egger (*1973, lives and works in Munich)
In the two-part work ”Genese der Löcher (Genesis of Holes)“ clear linear structures as well as free circulating and round elements form a dynamic fabric of void, transparency and density. Often, bizarre and rampant formations cover Judith Egger’s mixed media works which focus on processes of becoming, growth, transformation and decay. The artist crosses frontiers and explores changing conditions of organic, artificial, spiritual or social origin in a multidisciplinary approach. Besides shows in Kitakyushu/Japan, Beijing, Paris, London, Berlin, Milan and New York, Judith Egger has exhibited many times in Munich where she also realizes art-in-architecture projects. Her work is represented in the collection of the Mathias-Pschorr-Hackerbräu-Stiftung, among others.
Cevdet Erek (*1974 in Istanbul, lives and works in Istanbul)
The performative installation ”SSS Shore Scene Soundtrack“ by Cevdet Erek explores phenomena of perception and spatial experience. In the book, which is part of this work, Cevdet Erek suggests how to imitate the sound of the seaside by using a carpet and both hands: ”There is no single type, brand or model of carpet that is best to use for SSS. However, there is only one way to choose it: By moving your hands on the carpet with circular movements, listening and comparing it with the recording of the shore that you have stored in your memory.” As a central element of this installation, the artist has presented carpets in various designs and sizes for several years, e.g. at Istanbul Modern in 2014. Cevdet Erek, participant of the Istanbul Biennial and documenta13, is one of the most significant contemporary artists of Turkey.
Niklas Goldbach (*1973 in Witten/North Rhine-Westphalia, lives and works in Berlin)
The video “The Nature of Things“ was made during a ”white night“ in rural North Sweden. A man tied to a tree attempts to break free in a procedure of almost 3,5 hours. Typical of Niklas Goldbach’s protagonists, he is dressed in a white shirt and black trousers. Referring to Saint Sebastian, the artist explores various human conditions on the example of a symbolic fight between man and nature. Niklas Goldbach has shown his work in renowned museums and institutions, e.g. at Centre Pompidou, Paris, Museum der Moderne, Salzburg, Reina Sofia, Madrid, or– currently – at Shanghai 21st Century Minsheng Art Museum.
Johannes Hartmann (*1977 in Unterpfaffenhofen/Bavaria, lives and works in Munich)
As much as children function as a stylistic means in art history to lead the beholder into a painting, as much is the visitor invited by Johannes Hartmann’s back figure of a child into the exhibition. At the same time, the attention concentrates on the sculpture itself: Inspired by a photo by Robert Doisneau, it does not only oscillate between two- and three-dimensionality, but is made of unburnt clay which is exposed to decay and develops cracks during the exhibition. This process of transformation and dissolution contrasts with the title “Growing up” as well as the young boy whose gaze should be directed to the future. The Munich audience has become familiar with works by Johannes Hartmann from shows at Kunstarkaden or at E324, Esther Donatz’s former project space.
Gordon Hogan (*1978 in Ireland, lives and works in Munich)
In this three-part work Gordon Hogan refers to his former installations “Small Town” which he destroyed in a video performance in 2010. The artist has now created a highly symbolic triptych: It references to his own body of work, his visual language as well as use of form and opens discourses on painting, sculpture and architecture. The Munich audience has become acquainted with works by the Irish artist through shows at Galerie der Künstler, Platform 3 and Deutsche Gesellschaft für christliche Kunst.
Illustrella (*1975 in Nuremberg, lives and works near Munich)
Illustrator, object and performance artist Illustrella understands time and space as powerful illusions which she takes as a starting point to create new realities. Her art serves as a setting for evanescence; the substance of the works remains invisible. In the photo collage ''Im Augenblick der Dinge – Teil 1: der Fisch (The Moment of Things – Part 1: the Fish)'' which is part of a series, the gaze of the beholder is symbolically reflected in the eye of the fish. The sea dweller looks at us from a world that is created by our imagination. Illustrella, who conceives life as a creative analysis of consciousness, recently participated in the show “Ars Dilettanti 2” in Augsburg.
Gudrun Kemsa (*1961 in Datteln/North Rhine-Westphalia, lives and works in Düsseldorf)
Almost randomly Gudrun Kemsa captures the female protagonist of ”Tenth Avenue 6th“ on camera, the woman harmoniously merging with the background. As it is characteristic of the photographs of the series “Urban Stage”, no eye contact takes place. The artist, who avoids digital manipulation in these works, rather creates snap-shots of urban life. Gudrun Kemsa, professor for “Moving Images and Photography” at Hochschule Niederrhein in Krefeld, has presented her prize-winning art in numerous institutional exhibitions nationally and internationally. Her photos and videos can be found in various collections, such as Kunstmuseum Bonn or Museum Kunst Palast, Düsseldorf.
Susann Körner (*1972 in Schleswig-Holstein, lives and works in Hamburg)
Susann Körner focuses on everyday phenomena in urban space. The artist pays attention to those details which are overseen or ignored. By adopting interesting perspectives her extraordinary shots of found objects do not only create new references, but encourage alternative ways of interpretation and meaning. Apart from institutional exhibitions at Kunstverein Ruhr, Essen, Westwerk and Kunsthaus Hamburg, Susann Körner has presented photographs, text works and artist books in cities like Hamburg, Berlin, Prague and Milan. Esther Donatz Gallery dedicated a second solo show to the artist this year.
Ramuntcho Matta (*1960 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, lives and works in Paris)
Ramuntcho Matta’s sceneries painted in watercolors and ink express a spontaneous and free approach. The interpersonal relationships depicted on both sides of the cardboard as well as the titles ”soul is sour“ and ”he would like her to be less and at the same time more“ underscore the narrative aspect of these works. Reflecting intimate thoughts and inner feelings, their appeal is highly evocative. Ramuntcho Matta, who comes from a well-known family of artists, established a successful career in music before he focused on the visual arts. In his work sound, drawing, video, space and language add up to a complex concept.
Anna McCarthy (*1981, lives and works in Munich)
With Gudrun Ensslin in its center, Anna McCarthy’s photo collage needs to be understood in relation to her long-term multimedia project ”How To Start A Revolution” in which the British artist questions clichés of the “rebel notion”. Apart from the musical „How To Start A Revolution – The Musical“ that premiered at Haus der Kunst, Munich, and a performative installation with Gabi Blum at Schaustelle/Pinakothek der Moderne, Anna McCarthy, who has received the Kunstclub13 Art Prize, exhibits at PLATFORM, Munich, until December 19, 2014. In 2015, she will be artist-in-residence at Villa Aurora, Los Angeles. Works by the artist can be found in the Bavarian State Painting Collections, among others.
Peggy Meinfelder (*1975 in Thuringia, lives and works in Munich)
Whereas the toys company Schleich promotes their dinosaur figures with a high quality of realistic detail, Peggy Meinfelder applies the technique of point drawings that, practiced in archeology and paleontology, is said to guarantee the greatest possible objectivity. However, the artist every now and then deliberately breaks with ideas of authenticity by precisely depicting faked objects. Likewise, despite of the asserted scientific approach, the toys can eventually only be fictional reproductions. Apart from exhibitions in Munich and other cities, Peggy Meinfelder’s works have been reviewed internationally, e.g. in the Financial Times Magazine as well as in springerin – Hefte für Gegenwartskunst.
Sabina Simons (*1963 in Pavullo nel Frignano/Italy, lives and works in Hamburg and Merano)
Sabina Simons discovers her subjects in the thicket of nature where a “confusing and impenetrable presence” (Simons) becomes manifest. Her primary concern is spatial density which she explores in its dynamic interaction between variation and repetition, thereby revealing new and surprising aspects in the familiar. Sabina Simons has published a number of artist books and shown her works in Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Frankfurt/Main, Prato, Shanghai und Reykjavik, among others.
Clea Stracke (*1982 in Berlin) & Verena Seibt (*1980 in Dachau)
(The artists live and work in Munich and Cologne)
Being part of a series and related to a video work, the light box references “The Raft of the Medusa” (1819) by Théodore Géricault: Whereas the highly symbolic painting was inspired by a true naval accident off the Senegal coast, the reinterpretation by Clea Stracke & Verena Seibt transfers the artwork itself into the raft. It becomes a complex metaphor for adventure, hope, risk, failure and success which also brings up for discussion the relation to art and mechanisms of the art market. In 2015, a monograph on the two prize-winning artists will be published by Kerber Verlag. Clea Stracke & Verena Seibt will furthermore participate in the 13th RischArt_Project in Munich.
Thomas Straub (*1976 in Villingen/Black Forest, lives and works in Cologne)
Thomas Straub not only combines the exclusive material of gold leaf with an ordinary photo copy which is the reproduction of a reproduction of Andy Warhol’s screenprint “Skull” (1976); he furthermore puts the vanitas symbol, as it is interpreted by a Pop artist, on the same level with images of saints by iconizing it. Thomas Straub presented a solo show at Simultanhalle, Cologne, this year and currently prepares solo exhibitions for Kunstzelle/WUK, Vienna, Landschaftspark Zeche Carl, Essen, and Boutique – Raum für temporäre Kunst, Cologne.
Allard van Hoorn (*1968 in Leiden/Netherlands, currently lives and works in Brooklyn)
”Plum Proud | Girl Talk“ is not only the title of the work presented by Allard van Hoorn, but the product name of a Dutch company for these colors. Consisting of monochrome color fields, the painting which was inspired by a sunset becomes charged with new evocative layers of meaning. The categorizing of colors expresses both the human striving for systematization and a collective consciousness of images. Allard van Hoorn currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, as part of the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP). In 2014, works by the artist were on display at Rosenthal Centre for Contemporary Art, Cincinnati, Castagnino MACRo Museum Rosario, Argentina, CentroCentro, Madrid, and during the 14th Venice Architecture Biennale in Venice.
Veronika Veit (*1968 in Munich, lives and works in Munich)
The materials which Veronika Veit uses in her installations and sculptures are as diverse as the facets of human existence she explores in her work. The artist encounters her protagonists with sincerity, but also with a great sense of humor as well as charm. By abstracting some parts of her sculptures, she deliberately breaks with realistic parameters. Veronika Veit has exhibited her work in renowned museums and institutions, such as recently at Essenheimer Kunstverein. In 2015, she will participate in the 13th RischArt_Project, Munich, whereas MaximiliansForum plans a solo show with her. Works by Veronika Veit can be found in significant collections, such as the Caldic Collection, Rotterdam, and the Goetz Collection, Munich.
Stefan Wischnewski (*1974 in Neumünster, lives and works in Munich)
Stefan Wischnewski artistically explores objects from everyday life and leisure culture by transferring items like nets, table tennis rackets or ironing boards into new contexts. Thereby, the sculptor does not crucially change or manipulate the textures. Materiality and the use of form are his main focus. By placing objects in unfamiliar contexts, these cannot only be discovered from new angles in unusual spatial constellations, but become charged with additional meanings. Works by the artist are on display at Galerie Bezirk Oberbayern, Munich until December 5, 2014.
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