Author Description

Jonas Burgert's oil paintings activate a variety of means that are traditionally available to painting, in order to stage basic forms of expression of the human figure in fantastical scenarios. In this he exploits a rich culturalhistoric and ethnologic repository: his pictorial spaces are populated by archaic forms, grotesque characters and surreal beings. At the core is not the depiction of nameable individuals or faces, for Burgert it is much more about creating universal symbols of existential self-confirmation. With opulence and a great richness in detail, his pictures show the meaningful potential of painting in its capacity to generate spaces, to create atmospheres and to mirror our existence. This catalogue was produced in collaboration with the artist. Colour illustrations document Jonas Burgert's newest works and his output from the past few years. An essay by Dorothée Brill and a discussion with the artist offer possibilities for more in-depth analysis. Exhibition: kestnergesellschaft, Hannover, Germany (22.02.-28.04.2013)