Bernhard Kahrmann
dal 17/2/2009 al 19/3/2009
Segnalato da
17/2/2009
Bernhard Kahrmann
Galerie Reinhard Hauff, Stuttgart
In Silent Motion. This solo exhibition consists of a group of works in different kinds of media, which have in common an exploration of our sensibility to light as giving form to both matter and the immaterial.
“In Silent Motion” is the fourth solo show by Stuttgart artist
Bernhard Kahrmann (*1973) at the Galerie Reinhard Hauff. This
exhibition consists of a group of works in different kinds of media,
which have in common an exploration of our sensibility to light as
giving form to both matter and the immaterial. The exhibition thus
follows themes developed by the artist in the recent catalogue
“volatile tenderness” which was published on the occasion of
Kahrmann’s 2008 exhibition at the Kunsthalle Göppingen.
Finely toned intensity levels make it difficult for the eye of the
observer to distinguish between natural light reflections, artificial
illuminations and form-phenomena introduced by the artist as he
deliberately renounces on sharp contours and theatrical effects in
favour of shapes and forms with blurred distinctions and broad, gently
defined outlines generated by various artificial light sources within
the empty, lit gallery rooms.
The minimalist aesthetic of Kahrmann’s recent work as seen in the
Kunstverein für die Rheinlande und Westfalen in Düsseldorf in 2007
stand in marked contrast to his earlier installations where a charged,
suggestive environment contained a multitude of strong visual stimuli.
Now, the radical reduction of artistic forms of expression create at
times almost imperceptible constellations of visual phenomena - like
the white, dancing points projected on white walls (“Hubble”,
2007/2008) or the digital work projected within the office rooms of
the Galerie Reinhard Hauff. Such works leave it open to the viewer to
interpret the seen as a by-product of his/her own phantasy or a light
art object produced by the artist. To the extent that the human eye
strains at making out the transition from light to shadow in favour of
enhancing the capacity to see subtle objects, Kahrmann guides the
viewer towards sensing the limits of the “visible” simply through
arranging for minimal changes to the light dispositions within the
room. Without any complex technique or sophisticated equipment
Kahrmann simply uses neon tubes, leaving the electrical wiring
casually visible in an intriguing sculptural installation in the main
room where shimmering cut outs of silver foil reflect the direct and
indirect light around the piece like lametta. Because of their very
subtle nature the sculptures, which inhabit the rooms of the Galerie
Reinhard Hauff, become objects of atmospheric density. Devoid of any
narrative, they embody a new dimension of reality.
The catalogue Bernhard Kahrmann “volatile tenderness”, edited by
Werner Meyer, Kunsthalle Göppingen, 2008, can be obtained through the
gallery.
Opening febr. 18th, 2009
Galerie Reinhard Hauff
Paulinenstr. 47 - Stuttgart
Hours: 1 - 6 pm, Sat 11 am - 3 pm, and by appointment
Free admission