Drawings and Etchings — Groupshow

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the first group exhibition at our gallery, we present recent graphic works by Robert Fry (GB), Voldemars Johansons (LV), Franziska Klotz (DE), Christian Pilz (DE), Alexander Polzin (DE), Susanne Roewer (DE) and Michael Wutz (DE).

Drawing, as the origin of all graphic arts, is one of the oldest cultural techniques of humanity. Implemented with simple technical means, drawing remains the medium that gives the most direct expression to artists’ ideas. As sketches, studies or preliminary drawings, works on paper assist in transforming visual impressions into aesthetic form and in developing ambitious compositions.

Etching and other graphic reproduction techniques developed over centuries and were initially intended to reproduce drawn ideas in order to share them with fellow artists and a growing circle of interested audiences.

More recently, drawing and graphic media have been liberated from their purely practical function as preparatory tools and have become autonomous art forms. With a representative selection of works on paper and canvas, this exhibition outlines the diversity of expression and the range of artistic strategies found in contemporary drawing.

Etching plays a central role in the work of Robert Fry (b. 1980). As autonomous compositions, the works unite different perspectives and challenge familiar modes of perception. Through varied drypoint techniques, his works appear both visionary and realistic.

Voldemārs Johansons (b. 1980) presents abstract prints situated at the boundary between photography and drawing. Using intense beams of light refracted through prisms and glass objects, the artist draws dynamic structures onto chemically treated paper. The resulting lines arise from his hand movements, combining chance with compositional intention.

Franziska Klotz (b. 1979) uses drawing to sharpen awareness of her own perception and translate it into pictorial compositions. For her, drawing functions both as preparatory study and autonomous artwork. Her representational drawings, marked by coloured minimalism, possess strong visual impact.

The drawings and etchings of Christian Pilz (b. 1978) offer insight into visionary parallel worlds situated between past and future. Fine lines form structures reminiscent of cells, biological growth or explosions and other manmade phenomena. A latent sense of catastrophe permeates his work, as carefully ordered compositions appear already in a state of dissolution.

In a graphic series, Alexander Polzin (b. 1973) addresses Hans Holbein’s Dance of Death. Beginning with monotype paraphrases of Holbein’s woodcuts, Polzin prints the motifs and then paints over them with red floral patterns. The flowers push the dancing skeletons into the background—life overcoming death.

In the graphic works of Susanne Roewer (b. 1971), drawing is one element among many. Found objects, printed papers, fragmentary drawings and watercolour painting are combined into collage-like compositions that invite viewers to follow divergent visual paths.

Michael Wutz (b. 1979) works almost exclusively with graphic techniques. His drawings and etchings depict abandoned spaces, skulls and figures with closed eyes—ambiguous states between sleep and death—drawing on literary sources and relics from ancient and foreign cultures.

Further information and printable images are available on request.
For questions or additional details, we are happy to assist.

Sincerely,
Hannah Linder | Dr. Tilman Treusch | Giovanni de Sanctis