FRANZ GERTSCH. GEHEIMNIS NATUR

26. 10. 2013 — 16. 2. 2014

Franz Gertsch (*1930 in Mörigen/Switzerland) is one of the most important contemporary artists. With his photorealistic painting and his woodcut work, unique in technique and format, he has gained an outstanding international reputation. From his breakthrough at the documenta 5 in Kassel in 1972 to the presentation of his works at the Venice Biennales in 1999 and 2003, a rich body of paintings and graphic works spans the period between his breakthrough at the documenta 5 in Kassel in 1972 and the presentation of his works at the Venice Biennales in 1999 and 2003. It approaches reality in a very special way and yet always preserves something mysterious.

The exhibition at the Museum Frieder Burda was prepared in close cooperation with Franz Gertsch and curated by Götz Adriani. The early work is represented by three works by the artist from the 1970s, which provide an introduction to the show. The focus is on more recent works that have never been exhibited in Germany, including the triptych Guadeloupe with the paintings Bromelia, Maria and Soufrière, which was not completed until 2013. Also on display are the famous portraits of women, such as Silvia and Johanna, which impress by their size alone, giving them something unreal, enraptured. Also the Seasons pictures, despite their microscopically exact representation, seem not to want to reveal the secret of nature. They are exhibited in the large hall and give the impression that the surrounding nature is entering the museum and taking possession of it.

Figure paintings and landscapes are the central motifs of Franz Gertsch. He transfers them to canvas in a characteristically elaborate and lengthy process. The artistic production process extends over months, sometimes years. Since the late 1980s, Franz Gertsch has also been making large-format woodcuts, some of which can be seen in the exhibition. Point by point he cuts the motif out of the wood with a fine gouge. In contrast to his paintings, the technique and monochrome coloring make these prints appear more abstract and remote.

With 31 monumental paintings and woodcuts, the exhibition offers a good insight into the artist’s work and makes it clear that his oeuvre extends far beyond photorealistic reproduction.

A catalog accompanying the exhibition will be published by Hatje Cantz, in which all the works are illustrated. In a major interview with the curator, Franz Gertsch explains his working methods and his work, which is closely connected to his life.