Madeline von Foerster at Strychnin Berlin – Preview
Posted in Beaux Arts, Curiosa & Forteana, Exhibitions / Openings / Signings, Eyecandy by Suzanne on September 19th, 2008 | BBC Wikipedia
Invasive Species I by Madeline von Foerster, oil and egg tempera on panel, 2008 – click on image for details
I normally don’t post exhibition announcements so early in advance, but when it comes to beloved Madeline von Foerster‘s work, I feel like I have to make an exception.
Yesterday evening, she announced a sneak preview of her upcoming Waldkammer (Forest Cabinet) show.
The show won’t be on until early November, but for those unfortunate souls like me who won’t be able to make it to Strychnin Berlin, the precious trompe-l’oeil gems that are now online will definitely offer some visual enjoyment. Please email Madeline if you’re interested in seeing a preview of some selected works that will be on show.
I always found it fascinating how Madeline ever so often (subconsciously?) embeds her surname (meaning “forester” in German – both words deriving from medieval Latin forestem silvam meaning “the outside woods”) thematically and theatrically in her oeuvre and I believe that Waldkammer is the most stunning example of this phenomenon yet.
But let’s hear the artist herself:
“[...] In this series, I have created nine imaginary cabinets, in which to explore humanity’s often destructive relationship with nature (and in particular, the crisis of deforestation). These wooden cabinets intentionally allude to the once-living trees that were their source. Some are carved into the shape of women, personifying trees, whose bodies have become cabinets. Meanwhile, the “curiosities” displayed are actual species, dependant on the trees for survival. [...]“
Redwood Cabinet by Madeline von Foerster, oil and egg tempera on panel, 2008 – click on image for details
Opening reception: Friday, November 7, 2008
On show: November 7 – December 6, 2008
Address: Strychnin Gallery Berlin, Boxhagenerstrasse 36, D-10245 Berlin, Germany, tel: +49 30 9700 2035
Ironed Orchid says:
Stunning!
I kind of hate it when people compare artists to one another, but Redwood Cabinet does remind me of Rafael Oblinski’s work, and that’s a good thing.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Jessica says:
So beautiful! Every time that I think her work couldn’t *possibly* get any better, she pulls together a tour de force like this. *happy sigh*
p.s. I hear that she will be featured in the second Coilhouse print magazine…hooray!
September 21st, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Suzanne says:
Well, just like you, she’s definitely one of my top female artists whose oeuvre I really, really need to see in person because I’m so fond of it.
But to be honest, I just don’t think that her work can be reproduced in a mag appropriately, but maybe I’m just a bit puristic in this regard. However, I’m glad to hear that Madeline’s works will get an ever wider audience. Just like you, she definitely deserves it.
September 21st, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Mer says:
Ah, well… I’ll try my best not to mess things up too badly.
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:55 am
Suzanne says:
I think you misunderstood me, Mer. You’re a brilliant, powerful & utterly creative writer and there’s no doubt that the article will be a fascinating and insightful read – it’s the reproduction of images in mags I’m concerned about and ever so often disappointed with.
I’m not saying that electronic media like blogs offer a better service when it comes to truthful reproduction of works, but their ephemeral/free/grassrooty character allows them to be somewhat sloppy in this regard, methinks. Again, this is just my very personal media skeptical observation and applies to glossies in general and not to Coilhouse in particular as I’m sure you do your very best to reproduce works as authentically as you can. Good luck for #2!
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:15 pm
alveo says:
alveo…
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