shields,1998
Anna Leonowens Gallery, Halifax, NS Canada
series of 7 drawings, graphite on paper; each app. 60” x 79” (150 x 200 cm)
The exhibition "Shields" was realized in the following summer 1998 in Halifax. I always emphasize the importance of drawing to my art practice , so I decided to show only drawings. The "Shields" are large scale drawings, graphite on paper, about 150cm x 180cm in size, that are installed on the wall as low as possible to the ground. I worked with the shape of a sand-dollar and began a quest in regard to its form with drawing, similar to what I started with my sculptural work at that time.
Because of the size, the process of drawing involved the whole body. The pieces were very immediate yet defined and directed by a logic that was inherent to the shape that was built up on the paper. The drawings were a succession of several other series of drawings with which I tried to open up for a spatial experience through different approaches. In early works (e.g. woods 1, woods 2 1995) I incorporated light and space in various levels and confronted the viewer with drawings as installation, rather than two-dimensional works on the wall. In other large scale works on paper (new works, 1996) I used lines as traces - reminiscent of movement, moving objects in and through space, so that a netting of graphite lines encouraged the viewer to investigate basic spatial experiences by focusing the eyes as well as by opposing his/ her body to the almost shifting and time-recording drawing. Another way of incorporating space as active element (drawings, 1996/97), was the use of planes and lines that determined a potential three-dimensional development of form into space. These drawings are almost readable as maps. Mass and material, negative and positive are expressed through the tension of line and plane on a defined paper space.
The "Shields" explore similar concerns in a more subtle and more direct way at the same time. Lines are concentrated densely and form a layering of surface, developing an object quality on the paper surface, yet creating a spatial dynamic that proceeds into the viewers actual surrounding. The shape of the sand-dollar is enlarged into a shield - leading the viewer along the walls and at the same time repulsing him/ her as opposing shapes.
I am not interested in a specific readable shape, but in its nature of form. Layerings of lines, woven, worked, searching, subtle - with an inherent tension build up a surface on paper which is scaled to the human body as opposing object and is therefor repulsing us for a physical dialogue.
A series of shields is forming an inner space for the viewer to walk through, is trying to reach us in a place that is between rational thought and mental depth, a place that is giving shelter and allows for mobility, leads us to a physical and mental walk through two-dimensional space.
