05/10/2010-27/10/2010: Paul Vogeler - Our Modern Age
STYX Projects is pleased to present the first European solo exhibition of Paul Vogeler, "Our Modern Age."
When looking at Paul Vogeler's haunted landscapes of birch forests, solitary men and tiny birds, it can be difficult to understand the artist's assertion that these paintings' main subject is war. Indeed, while the set-up might be minimal, one need only look a bit closer to discover Vogeler's hidden subject.
Vogeler's birds, of course, are stand-ins for humans, as a painting like "From the Pulpit" makes clear, with its reverential black-and-white bird depicted from below. Birds are dumb creatures; they are so reliable as a metaphor because they tend to only signify one thing: freedom. Vogeler is not trying to poeticize his subject; we don't so much see the dumbness of the creatures themselves in the paintings, but the dumbness of the symbolism, worn and tired with age.
Artists have long responded to war with aesthetic violence. But in the case of Vogeler, the violence is understated, below the surface of the canvas - if it can be said to be present at all. His paintings serve as a sort of hidden commentary on a horror that is too horrific to be depicted in straightforward images. They suggest that humanism is perhaps no longer an answer in a world redolent with decay and self-destruction. They are icons of the hidden wars fought within each of us.
"Our Modern Age" will take place concurrently with Artforum Berlin. The exhibition will be accompanied by a 36-page, full colour catalogue, published by the newly founded "STYX Press."
Paul Vogeler (*1982) studied painting, architecture and design at the University of East London's Holbrook School of Architecture, University of Cincinnati and the School of Visual Arts. His work has been included in numerous group shows in New York City and Cincinnati. Vogeler lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.
Opening Reception:
05 October 2010, 7 pm
Opening hours:
Fridays to Sundays 3-5 pm or by appointment.
Extended opening hours during Artforum (6-10 Oct):
Fr, Sat & Sun 2-6 pm
