Mandrakes

 

Mandrakes, 2022, 155 x 120 cm, glass, silicone, wood.

 

The images in glass are painted between two glass panes in white and black silicone so that the painting does not fall apart when the glass is broken. Each of the glass panes breaks differently and the two broken panes can still hold together.

 

The subject matter is mandrakes, i.e. plants associated with black magic. These plants have narcotic effects and the ability to make people ecstatic, awaken their desire and sensuality. In the Middle Ages, the mandrake was elevated to the status of satanic plant, and because of its energy, its intensity was manifest in shattered glass.

 

FTypically, man has anthropomorphised the mandrake root, as he does with all of nature. The artist therefore attempted to proclaim through these paintings that this magical plant belongs to all animals. He creates mandrakes for reptiles, fish, mammals, amphibians, as well as insects.

 

In the exhibition, the paintings are part of an unusual installation strategy. On the wall a brushstroke literally gushes at high speed. A large layer of paint is stuck at the start. It is only due to the nature of such an intense brushstroke that the paste is so solid that the viewer can even hang from it.

In the middle of this stroke, an error occurs in the form of a commotion. Its vibration caused the image of the magic plant to “leap out” of the brushstroke. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mandrake of Rose, 2019, 155 x 120 cm, glass, silicone, wood.