27/11/2007
Stefan Sandner
Museum 52, London
Museum 52 is pleased to present the first exhibition in the UK for Austrian artist Stefan Sandner. His most recent works make use of found hand written material to create abstract paintings.
Sandner's 2006 solo exhibition at the Vienna Secession presented the viewer with a number of large-scale canvases. The source material and the manner in which it was used highlighted Sandner's subversive approach to painting. References were made to minimalism and Kurt Cobain, Super-realism and Subutteo within the same canvas. He does not shun the work of his predecessors, but recognises that in choosing to be a painter there is an existing vocabulary and grammar that he must acknowledge. Sandner also displays awareness tha he must work within his own syntax.
For his exhibition at Museum 52 Sandner has created a series of works that focus more on doodled/scribbled notes or drawings. These notes are transformed by his painting, but at the same time remain within recognisable proximity with the original. His painting does not change their status, but instead confirms it. However, it is not important to Sandner what the text says or that we ever know the source of the painting.
Indeed, despite the suggestion of a carbon copy in paint, above all else Sandner wants the viewer to recognise it as nothing else but painting. He allows at points the paint to dictate the mark making; dribbles run down the canvas and the texture of the brush becomes obvious in certain thicker applications. In contrast Sander also formally stencils relevant sections, thus emphasising his looser mark making. These tactile variations encourage the viewer to recognise Sandner's primary purpose.
Many of the canvases for the exhibition are small. This creates a sense that the text has not only be taken from its original context, but that what we are seeing in merely a section of a larger whole. This suggestion emphasises the gestaltist quality to the paintings. It also emphasises the roll the signified and signifier play in his paintings. Thus, Sandner explores painting as a language, both in terms structure and behaviour.
Sandner recently exhibited his second solo show at Grita Insalm Gallery in Vienna. In 2006 he had a major solo show at the Vienna Secession (a catalogue accompanied the exhibition). MUMOK, Vienna and The DAAD Foundation acquired his work this year for their collections.
Image: Stefan Sandner, Secession 2006
Preview 28 november 2007 6-8pm
Museum 52
52 Redchurch Street , London
Free admission