All Possibilities Are Visible But Unknown. In 12 vinyl collages and one large paper sculpture the artist displays his perfected utopian visions of space, architecture and geometry, redefining the limits of the impossible.
All Possibilities Are Visible But Unknown
After Utopian Architecture in 2005 upstairs berlin is pleased to announce Ian Monroe’s first solo show in Germany entitled All Possibilities Are Visible But Unknown. Realised in collaboration with Haunch of Venison the exhibition presents Monroe’s substantial body of new work. In twelve large- and small-sized vinyl collages and one large paper sculpture the London-based, American artist (*1972) displays his perfected utopian visions of space, architecture and geometry, redefining the limits of the impossible. Combining elaborate compositions, intriguing colours and meticulously detailed work the pieces produce a unique visual experience: proof of and basis for Ian Monroe’s artistic maturity and his considerable success of the past years.
Ian Monroe creates imaginary places and expands their spatial architecture with excessive lines and colour fields running parallel to the picture-frame. With his hand-cut, super-imposed vinyl the artist has developed the basic technique of silhouettes into a completely new art form between painting and sculpture: two-dimensional, relief-like works of a precision recalling computer-aided design which are made by hand.
All Possibilities Are Visible But Unknown: Beyond any context based on experience, without being connected to solid subsoil the imaginary elements in Ian Monroe’s idealised images seem to be floating. Using bold perspectives, bright colours creating materiality the artist draws our attention to the surface of his works, thereby completely annihilating any illusion of an inhabitable place. His exceptional, room-covering sculpture is also based on a simple architectural form: It represents a wall. Cut out paper letters form the text of a manifesto composed by the artist. Its hidden presence illustrates the complex and unknown energies distinguishing Ian Monroe’s sculpture and images.
A catalogue will be published on the occasion of this exhibition.
For further information and images please contact Mr Ste'phane Biesenbach: Phone: +49-30-209 157 90, Email: s.biesenbach@upstairs-berlin.com
Opening reception on Friday, November 3, 2006 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Upstairs Berlin Gallery
Zimmerstrasse 90/91,Staircase A, 1st floor - Berlin
Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.