EXHIBITIONS DATES
November 7, 2000 - January 6, 2001
ABOUT THE SHOW
The JIRI SVESTKA GALLERY is proud to announce an exhibition of the German artist Wolfgang Robbe (born in Aachen, 1954, lives in Dusseldorf and Berlin). This exhibition is the first in a series planned for the gallerys 2000-2001 programme, covering independent protagonists of the current German contemporary art scene, with focus upon Berlin. Others will follow in Spring and Autumn of next year, some of which will be accompanied by discussions and lectures.
Robbes work is held in public and private collections in Germany, USA, Belgium, Holland, France, and Sweden.
This exhibition was supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Wolfgang Robbe is a sculptor whose activities extend to the fields of installation, painting, and projects. He studied at the Art Academy in Dusseldorf under Professor Erich Reusch, where his interest focused upon the integration of art, sculpture, and architecture. Whatever medium Robbe may be utilising, he pushes available possibilities to the limit. Even when working conceptually, an aspect of sensuality suffuses his work. The artist acknowledges that when encountering his art, it is crucial that the viewer grants sufficient time for recognition of the works depth. Only then can that work be fully appreciated and its complexities identified. Frequently, his art is connected with architecture and space and, on a number of occasions, works have been created in counterpoint to the realisation of specific architectural projects. Within these, and his other works, his major preoccupation is clearly evident, that of experimentation with optical multi-layering. The results are beautifully subtle. Subject matter drifts beneath optical illusions, providing a quiet intensity which waits patiently to reward the eyes of the viewer.
Robbe participated in the legendary 1986 exhibition Chambre dAmis in the Belgian city of Gent. Another important project organised by Robbe, in co-operation with the artist Heike Pallanca, was Slalom, Salon am Burgplatz, held in Dusseldorf between 1987 to 1988. A simulation of a working art gallery, the staff played by actors, this project directed his interest towards conceptual collaboration with other artists, while furthering Robbe in his quest to destabilise the traditional role of the artist within the rigid system of art institutions.