STRATCO_ARTIST Berlin.
STRATCO_ARTIST. Berlin.
Q: "Transformation" is an idea that you tend to gravitate to when describing your work. Can you expand on the notion of transformation in your work?
A: Indeed, for me it’s all about transformation. The idea is based on the fundamental theory of "radical constructivism“; it says, that reality is per se no given, binding and normed space, but an individual construction made by the human brain(s). Hence, there are billions of particular drafts of "reality“ and the "real world“. And like fingerprints, you’ll not find two similar ones. On the one side this is mankind’s huge strength, fostering creativity, progress & reflection; on the other side, it makes communication - between individuals as well as between systems or states - so difficult. So my transformations show in a very pointed way, how differently things can be seen; and that there is no single truth or the one and only reality. This conceptual core is also the reason, why I use one or max. two original elements for each of my works: The process of the transformation, it’s quality and execution is at least as relevant as the final result.
Q: You work mostly with vintage images. What attracts you to these images? Do you think that your visual language can work as well with contemporary imagery?
A: Again, it's a combination of factors. In my eyes, their composition and colors are superior to all modern stuff, including the specific texture of the vintage paper. You really can sense, that these images were created manually. “Digital" was involved at no point, one could understand these magazine covers and even more the advertisements as archetypal collages. Hence, they secondly complete my ideal of "analog transformation": on the basis of handmade originals, handmade originals are created. And finally, there's also the self-discipline aspect to mention: In 99% of the cases I only have this one edition of the original - so literally no mistakes are allowed, every cut just needs to be thought out and executed to perfection. A circumstance that generates due respect, not to destroy the original and thus inevitably sharpens one's own concentration massively …Consequently, although the results are comparable or even more technically perfect due to the better quality of the paper, I miss the thrill of transformation when I work - very rarely - with contemporary images.
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