STEFFEN KERN
Rutger Brandt Gallery
STEFFEN KERN
“At first glance they look like photographs, but at closer look you can see the fine markings of pencil strokes.”
Steffen Kern’s Porch and Two Windows depicts a scene reminiscent of a photograph or movie scene, but in reality, it is a composition of many preliminary sketches on paper. The viewer looks through the window of a house from a porch; the entire scene evokes the appearance of a horror movie as if the beholder is committing a violating visual act. The focal point of the work rests on the backside of an individual — could this be a potential victim?
Kern applies a variety of prototypical elements from film in his charcoal scene to make the viewer aware how these scenes have been appropriated by contemporary visual culture.
Highly recognizable through allegory, Kern’s piece begs the question: ‘Does reality look like a movie, or do movies look like reality?’
Steffen Kern, Porch and Two Windows, 2020, Charcoal and pencil on paper, 3 frames, 85 x 140 cm each
Steffen Kern, installation view of ‘Drawings from the mental archive’ at Rutger Brandt Gallery, Amsterdam in October 2020
Steffen Kern, O.T. (Facade), 2019, Charcoal and pencil on paper, 60 x 80 cm
Steffen Kern, O.T. (House), 2020, Ink and oil charcoal on paper, 25 x 20 cm
RUTGER BRANDT GALLERY
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The gallery’s mission is to showcase contemporary art by emerging young artists as well as established international artists in a multi-generational program. They aim for a long-term commitment in developing the artists’ career and the gallery acts as a liaison with other galleries outside The Netherlands. One of the connecting factors, how varied the outcome may be, is socially committed and narrative art to be found in various disciplines. Political, social actuality and individualism are key ingredients to reflect the spirit of this age. Confronted with the many aspects of human relations, especially those of alienation, isolation, absurdum and the raw side of life, these works call for self-reflection. These artists seek new ways of representation that make us aware of unexpected aspects of everyday life. Their exhibition program is dedicated to aesthetic, progressive and thought-provoking shows.
RUTGER BRANDT GALLERY is located at Bethaniënstraat 39, 1012 BZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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