Opening event:
Tuesday, September 7th, 7:00 p.m.
 
Introduction by Séverine Waelchli (Art historian, Galerie Sprüth/Magers)
 
Exhibition dates:
September 8th - October 29th 2004
 
GALLERY hours:
Weekdays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
Address:
Hellabrunner Strasse 1
81543 Munich, Germany
 
 
A key aspect of the canvases and objects of the Berlin painter Stefan Hirsig is his reoccurring references to architecture. Such references often appear in his sketches and final works as obvious allusions or encrypted forms. Hirsig also sees architecture as an essential creative principle. This principle is revealed in the form of the design, in patterns and collage-like overlaying. It is also used as a means of constructing his creations and "building" freely painted forms that are often recognisable as artistic allusions, like the brushstrokes of a painter.

It is generally impossible to separate concrete from abstract elements in Hirsig's artwork. Many concrete elements are readily recognisable, or they appear as fragments that are merely shapes and forms. By the same token, a number of abstract forms are "concretised" as part of the image construction. The complex nature of his art makes it impossible to simply interpret his works. Their meaning emerges, however, directly from the inherent ambiguity of the different levels of content and form.
 
In this exhibition, the artist confronts his new creations with older works. His most recent works were created with special reference to the exhibition space and its interior design, which is largely influenced by the architectural styles of the 1960s. At the same time, Hirsig draws a connection to his older works, the "plywood group" - inspired by the veneered plywood of the designer Charles Eames (Plywood Chair). This creates an air of suspense that emanates from the surfaces of the canvases and extends to the three-dimensional images - and finally characterises the entire space in the GALLERY.
 
 
Stefan Hirsig
Born 1966 in Berlin. Lives and works in Berlin.