Erik A. Frandsen
Glansbilleder
09.09.04 - 13.11.04
Glansbilleder ('glossy images' loosely translated), is Erik A. Frandsen's first solo-exhibition at Galleri Faurschou. It is with great pride and pleasure we welcome Erik A. Frandsen amongst the artists we represent.
For his first solo-exhibition at Galleri Faurschou, Erik A. Frandsen presents radical new works. Onto the surface of large reflective steel sheets, Frandsen's characteristic flower motives are engraved. Heavy metal and the honing of a drilling machine have replaced canvas and brush.
Despite the unusual material, the motives of the paintings are instantly recognizable as Frandsen's. A rose is placed in a urine bottle, large funnel-shaped flowers are bursting with sexual connotations, spring onions are left withering in a bowl and numerous types of flowers are placed in oversized vases. The clash between the material and the motive is intense. Steel flowers are an impossibility. When encountered the works are sensually seductive, yet projecting a rejective cool.
In their material simplicity the flowers are of almost symbolic character. In their minimalist expression the works become signatures, signs or even lines of abstract character. Simultaneously the works are also concretely perceived, when hanging on the wall the works also functions as mirrors reflecting their surroundings - both the gallery space as well as the viewer. Because the viewer is confronted with him- or herself in front of the reflective steel, the paintings become vanitas symbols, a memento mori of our finite lives.
In art historical context the flower motive has sustained as a symbol of beauty, sensuality, life, death, and vanity. Erik A. Frandsen has earlier applied the flower motive as a symbol in his artistic exploration of intimacy, relationships, and home life as the chosen themes of his paintings.
As with the thematic link to his earlier work, the current exhibition also refers to work produced in the mid-80s, where Frandsen experimented with cutting out motives in wood and projecting these as shadows onto the wall. In this exhibition Erik A. Frandsen continues his ongoing exploration of lines and perspective, central to his artistic expression.
With his brand new steel sheet paintings, painted without brush, colour or canvas Frandsen offers an interesting perspective on the current status and possibility within painting.
Other works by Frandsen are included in the "The Flower as Image" exhibition at Louisiana, Museum of Modern Art from September 10th 2004- January 16th 2005.