Works
VERENA FRENSCH | TRANSMISSION
Using this exhibition title, the Munich artist programmatically describes the discussion surrounding our understanding of models of sender and receiver and the dysfunctionality of our systems of reference in general. It’s that civilization-critical access which combines the four photo series „The Message“ (2014/17), „Significance“ (2016), „I am here, awaiting“ (2006/16) and „Retable 2012“ (2012), presented within an exhibition for the first time.
10.03.2017 – 29.04.2017
On 10 March beginning at 7 pm all are invited to the opening reception at the gallery.
The artist will be present.
The evening’s musical accompaniment will be provided by Dan Familiar (Country Blues Noir).
The following works are presented in the show:
VERENA FRENSCH | TRANSMISSION
Transmission – the sense of the word transmission can mean communication, the dissemination of an idea or emotion, or the passing of waves or other impulses through a medium. The title programmatically describes the discussion surrounding our understanding of models of sender and receiver and the dysfunctionality of our systems of reference in general.
The series “The Message” shows machines at work, clearly sending out impulses without any apparent meaning. A child observes the process and seems to receive the message. An unknown mass in his ear raises questions as to the author and the nature of the message. The child — now older – shows a hint of joy at the prospect of the message being carried out, and the viewer must ask themselves whether or not this is a good thing.
“Significance” underscores the importance of the probability of error. In Japan, the koi-carp is considered to be the epitome of domesticated beauty. Its decorative color-pattern breeding makes it a living picture. Juxtaposed, as if in a dream, with children kept both in front of and behind glass, the koi provides a crystal clear reminder of the ambivalence of our own existence. The male children seem to be caught and held back from developing their own strength. The koi however, which stand for strength and determination, are swimming in water, an element which stands for the feminine and the intuitive. The fascinatingly beautiful surfaces of the pictorial compositions distract from the clear scenes of clashes over food, whereby the eyes of the fish, searching yet staring into the emptiness, picturesquely blend into a sunset atmosphere.
“I am here, awaiting” sketches a post-apocalyptic world emptied of human life, in which the latent presence of another life form is perceptible, but not understandable.
At the end of this dysfunctional circle-dance of communication, “Retable 2012″ reminds us of our own lack of a system of meaning and the lack of systems of recourse. Our own doctrine of salvation and thus hope has become alienated and unknown to us: Who is the sender here? What is the message and who will hear it?