translated and summarized by: Liz Wollner-Grandville,
221012: Startgalerie im MUSA: Desislava Unger – Landed on a tree
Startgalerie im MUSA
Desislava Unger – Landed on a tree
11.10.2012 - 08.11.2012
From the wooden board to the panel painting
By Wolfgang Pichler
Upon entering the gallery, one is already aware of the refreshing reduction to rather few, but nevertheless very appealing works. The large format pictures composed of several smaller beech wood panels are striking, not only because of their unusual materiality but also because of the harmonious composition. It is most unusual for woodcarvings, such as those presented here, to be printed on wood and also have the supporting material still visible as a background. And even more, it's also a very subtle way to make the material that is responsible for the extremely individual manifestation of this technique visible to the observer. That the artist, born in Sofia in 1980, retains her landscapes in only a few, very carefully chosen colours can also be accounted for by the technique of the woodprint. Because there is usually no large-format printing press available, the fragmentation of the pictures in individual panels is a technical necessity. These are very cleverly emphasized by the uneven wall mountings and presented as a design element.
It's also certainly no coincidence that by implementing such a conscious handling of the woodcarving technique that one of the works, which shows a water surface is reminiscent of the famous Hokusai pictures. The panels are softened by means of collaged or sewn elements, which, however, don't change the overall character. Reference can be made to the materials used when one looks very subtly into the romantic themes such as trees, water and landscapes – or simply take pleasure in the appealing optic devoid of mawkishness.
It is interesting that Desislava Ungar is also exhibiting wonderful 30 x 30 cm small drawings in pastel tones because again here, the very able and minimalistic handling of the completely different material is also demonstrated.
Startgalerie im MUSA
1010 Vienna, Felderstraße 6-8, next to the Town Hall
Tel: +43 (0)1 4000 8400
E-mail: musa@musa.at
http://www.musa.at/startgalerie
Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri: 11:00 - 18:00; Thu 11:00 - 20:00; Sat 11:00 - 16:00 hours
221012
Startgalerie im MUSA
1010 Wien, Felderstraße 6-8, neben dem Rathaus
Tel: +43 1 4000 8400, Fax: +43 1 4000-99-8400
Email: musa@musa.at
http://www.musa.at
Öffnungszeiten: Di, Mi, Fr 11-18, Do 11-20, Sa 11-16 h
Startgalerie im MUSA
1010 Wien, Felderstraße 6-8, neben dem Rathaus
Tel: +43 1 4000 8400, Fax: +43 1 4000-99-8400
Email: musa@musa.at
http://www.musa.at
Öffnungszeiten: Di, Mi, Fr 11-18, Do 11-20, Sa 11-16 h