Günther Förg

About

The centre of the exhibition is formed by a six-part series of paintings by Günther Förg from 2003. The canvases show vertical stripes and structures in various hues of grey, repeatedly interrupted by light traces as well as red and pink dashes. Every brushstroke is visible and changes from dense, opaque colour fields to nearly transparent areas. Although the brushwork appears expressive and the paint is seemingly applied intuitively, it immediately becomes apparent that the paintings underlie a precise composition and elaborated balance. The six paintings appear like repetitions, offering variations of the same structure on each canvas and are, as if in rhythmic motion, constantly developing.

Alongside this series the exhibition presents a selection of small-sized paintings on wood and canvas from the same time. The classic form of the grid appears repeatedly. It structures the surface and units geometric strictness with Förg's expressive, seemingly spontaneous application of paint. Although abstract, the works evoke associations of landscapes and constantly shift their focus between foreground and background. Some of the works of this selection remind of Förg's earlier series of the so-called “Fenster-Aquarelle” (window watercolours) that can be found in the artist's oeuvre already in the mid 80s. They suggest a glimpse out of the window which never truly allows a direct view. Black dominates the image structure in most of these works and the overlapping areas dissolve into impalpable, vague planes. Occasionally, only a few coloured spots light up and recall lights in dark street scenes. Especially a small painting on wood captures this approach in a particular way. Between two broad, dark areas a light, yellowish part shines through in which one seems to recognize a nocturnal scenery and a hazy figure in front. The viewer is never fully sure if he looks out to something or if he himself is standing outside. Thus, the composition and paint application of these works generate a concentrated tension between figurative and abstract elements which is so typical in Förg's work.