Peggy Meinfelder/Ciprian Muresan
DISTINCT
26.10. - 22.11.2012
Opening: | Thursday, October 25, 2012, 7-9 pm |
Exhibition Duration: | October 26 – November 22, 2012 |
Opening Hours: |
Wed/Fri 1-6pm, Thu 1-7pm, Sat 12-4pm |
The exhibition title DISTINCT may refer to the particularity of the content of the show or its works; at the same time, it hints at the fact that the works presented at Esther Donatz Gallery reveal different approaches to similar issues. Indeed, Peggy Meinfelder (*1975 GDR) and Ciprian Muresan (*1977, Dej/Romania) circle around related topics exploring them from different perspectives. Grown-up in the so-called former “Eastern Bloc” and influenced by the radical sociopolitical upheavals due to the Fall of the Wall, their work as artists is closely linked to their very own history. Both Peggy Meinfelder and Ciprian Muresan deal with processes of transition caused by a collapsed political utopia and connected to a change of value systems. Thereby, the artists do not only choose different key themes, but express their ideas through different media. What they have in common is their humorous handling of complex questions that often include personal circumstances and experiences. In the exhibition, Peggy Meinfelder presents a folder of forms documenting pins, medals, and badges that were common for the culture of commendation practiced in the German Democratic Republic. In this regard, the word “distinct” or “distinction” adds another layer of meaning to the title. Peggy Meinfelder actually received some of the depicted badges; others were invented by the artist. Adapting archeological and paleontological practices, she applies the technique of point drawings that is said to guarantee the greatest possible objectivity. Following principles of archiving, Peggy Meinfelder uses her drawings for the compilation of forms to give an overview of her real as well as fictitious honors. Thoroughly labeled, these documents are put in a folder that can now be stored like a file. Furthermore, Peggy Meinfelder shows an installation of icons of the communist and socialist ideology, such as Lenin, the Red Star, or the peace dove. Cut out from wooden panels, these objects are arranged like a mural. Quoted countless times, the symbols can be identified by their pure shape, its plain form offering space for interpretation. While Peggy Meinfelder focuses on a past and outdated system and its interpretability from today’s point of view, in his video work CHOOSE Ciprian Muresan gives a statement about the Western capitalist society. A boy pours Pepsi and Coca Cola into his glass which he drinks at a draught. The artist comments on the film as follows: „The drinks have two different images, but the same taste.“ So is there no distinction? The video was on display in the well-received show ”The Generational: Younger than Jesus“ at the New Museum, New York, in 2009 and – only recently – at Tate Modern, London. The Romanian artist does not restrict himself to the medium of film, but explores cultural and sociopolitical aspects through drawings, photography, and sculptures. Since 2005, he has been editor of IDEA art + society magazine in Cuj-Napoca. Ciprian Muresan has participated in various biennials, such as the 53. Venice Biennale, and had a solo show at ART STATEMENTS Basel. Internationally renowned institutions, like the Centre Pompidou, Paris, have exhibited his art. In 2012 alone, his works have been presented at Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Centre d'art contemporaine, Geneva, Műcsarnok | Kunsthalle Budapest, and Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, among others. Peggy Meinfelder studied Art and Sculpture at Bauhaus University with Fritz Rahmann and at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich in Olaf Metzel’s class. Her works have been reviewed internationally, e.g. in the Financial Times Magazine as well as in springerin – Hefte für Gegenwartskunst. Peggy Meinfelder has participated in exhibitions at different institutions, such as Haus der Geschichte, Bonn, Neues Museum, Weimar, City Gallery, Prague, or the Montehermoso Cultural Center, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain). She is a member of the artist group “Expedition Medora” and – as a Munich-based artist – known to the local audience through shows at Lothringer13 Halle, Galerie der Künstler, Rathausgalerie, ZKMax, Kunstverein Munich, and E324 | Raum für Kunst.
Contact
Esther Donatz
Nadine Seligmann Phone: +49 89 70 07 62 00
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