The Gallery Apart hosts the latest works by Astrid Nippoldt, a new series of black and white photographs entitled Böse Gehölze (Evil Woods) and a collection of watercolor and pencil drawings inspired by the same theme.
The German artist returns to Rome three years after her first solo exhibit in Italy, when she presented the video trilogy “Grutas” at the Adriano Olivetti Foundation. The trilogy was later displayed at Bremen’s Kunsthalle and was part of the important group exhibit “Made in Germany” hosted by Hannover’s Sprengel Museum, Kestner Gesellschaft and the Kunstverein.
The “Evil Woods” project is inspired by natural phenomena in cinema and photography. Astrid Nippoldt’s starting point is the short, fragile moment when nature takes over the leading role. Particular light conditions and the modulation of perspective and focus cause nature to become a screen where emotional and even supernatural visions are projected. Each photograph singles out the place in the forest where internal impressions belong or where crime scenes are set. The use of black and white brings out the scenographic neutrality of the forest which, because it is a place without time, lends itself in welcoming stories without narrative limits. The artist’s research aims to evaluate how much the emotions and impressions conveyed to us by nature affect the civilization process and cultural practices. Astrid Nippoldt’s work consists of traces and signs which prevent us from knowing where we are or in which direction we are going. In a playful way, we are involved in an expedition that has an aim but not a map; or vice versa.
Astrid Nippoldt’s watercolor paintings and drawings often counterpoint her video and photographic work. Even in technique choice, the paintings evoke lightness and an ability to step outside of the context, making them particularly suited in complimenting the photographic side of the “Evil Woods” project.
EXHIBITION: ASTRID NIPPOLDT, BÖSE GEHÖLZE (EVIL WOODS)
PLACE: The Gallery Apart – Via della Barchetta, 11 – 00186 Rome
VERNISSAGE: Friday May 8, 2009 h. 18,30
DATE: May 8 – 10 July 2009
TIME: Monday to Friday h. 16,00-20,00
INFORMATION: The Gallery Apart – tel/fax 06.68809863 – info@thegalleryapart.it