Nature is revered as the source of life and inspiration. From solstice to equinox, artists immerse themselves in its cyclical rhythms to unearth new worlds, ideas, and creatures. In TOTEM, nature serves as the cornerstone for practices that hover at the intersection of history, mysticism, and humour. Artists Stefan Rinck, Kasper De Vos, and Georg Wilson embark on a journey to rediscover often-overlooked aspects of nature from diverse standpoints.
A totem, traditionally an object representing a supernatural quality or concept, acts as an emblem bridging immaterial ideas and reality. Within TOTEM, Georg Wilson delves into ecology and history in her expressive paintings, depicting envisioned landscapes inhabited by enigmatic creatures. Stefan Rinck meticulously sculpts stone characters drawn from a fantastical realm, melding contemporary culture with historical references. His whimsical sculptures, reminiscent of Boschian visions, blend satirical wit with dark humour. Meanwhile, Kasper De Vos engages with societal issues by playfully manipulating natural materials; his farcical installations combine unconventional objects that challenge cultural perceptions and consumerism.
In TOTEM, the convergence of insight and folklore intertwine like vines on the same tree. London- based artist Wilson integrates her naturalist knowledge and literary motifs into her visual lexicon. Through painting and drawing, her evocative colour palette, evolves with the changing seasons, while conjuring ethereal territories teeming with enigmatic inhabitants that defy traditional categorization. In Host, botanical motifs intricately weave through a composition devoid of human traces, extending across the pictorial plane to envelop everything in an immersive tapestry of verdant imagery. Drawing inspiration from the Celtic rainforests prevalent in Cornwall, where the artist recently concluded a residency, Wilson employs vibrant green hues to evoke the mist-laden ambience and scented airs of these lush habitats. Amidst this overgrown expanse, bristling with biodiversity manifested in the myriad forms of mosses and liverworts, her paintings resonate with the enchantment and enigma inherent to the woodlands.
Coiling pastoral ideals, the works of De Vos echo the enduring allure of countryside imagery. During a temporary residency in Andalusia, De Vos documented its essence through sketches and the gathering of natural materials. Drawing from the abundant bark of cork and oak trees in the surroundings, he transformed this raw resource into the installation A Shepherd’s Poem, featured in the exhibition. The three-piece installation reverently honours the classical heritage of bucolic literature. De Vos’ poetic sensibility extends beyond mere observation, as he weaves together every-day elements, fusing them with contemporary discards to create unconventional amalgamations that celebrate the beauty of banality. Incorporating a diverse array of materials ranging from rope and beeswax to found objects, plaster, and wood, De Vos’ work serves as playful commentary on society’s intense consumption tendencies, underscoring deeper implications of materiality, motivation, and social dynamics, all while maintaining an uplifting and light-hearted approach.
In the exhibition, the stone sculptures of Stefan Rinck stand stoically like totems, commanding attention throughout the gallery space. Meticulously chiselled, these sculptures range from hominid bears to well- dressed dogs, skilfully blending references from contemporary culture and historical canons. Among them, in his work The Descendant, Rinck’s sculpture emerges from the courtyard like a visitor from a parallel dimension. Carved by hand, the sandstone figure depicts a two-eyed being clad in nothing more than a skirt, holding a mini-replica of itself.The textured surface of the piece adds a tactile and soft quality to the ponderous material. This “descendant,” reminiscent of some ancestral group of beings, evokes a profound sense of self-awareness, hinting at its own enigma and carving a new universe from an amalgamation of references, times, and places.
In TOTEM, artists Stefan Rinck, Kasper De Vos, and Georg Wilson intricately weave narratives that celebrate the profound relationship between humanity and nature. Through their distinctive practices, they invite viewers to delve into the mysteries of the natural world, confront pressing societal issues, and redefine reality through the lens of creativity and imagination. As visitors journey through the immersive exhibition, they are encouraged to reflect upon the inherent harmony and vitality present in nature, inspiring a renewed appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings. TOTEM echoes a testament to the enduring significance of nature as a wellspring of impetus, wisdom, and wonder.
