Oct 22 - Nov 12, 2022
curated by Contemporary Matters, Vienna
contemporarymatters.org
with works by Bianca Phos, Luīze Nežberte, Julia Zastava
photography by Sophie Pölzl
Excerpt from “On Community #3”, curated by Contemporary Matters
with works by Bianca Phos, Julia Zastava, Luize Nezberte
“Transmediate traits can also be found in Bianca Phos’ contributions to the exhibtion. For the series of drypoint drawings on zinc etching plates (2022) Bianca used printing plates from drypoint etching as inspiration without realizing them as graphical reproductions on paper. The spatial characteristics of the metal plates themselves can already be interpreted as sculptural. This is further enhanced by the scratching process, the way in which the image is transferred onto the plate, that bears similarities with the carving of a three-dimensional object. The plates depict various plant and tuber-like figures gently embracing each other. The intimate scenes reflect on how humans and non-human beings come together in community: sometimes the connection comes naturally, but other times the embrace feels forced and artifical. In the two-part installation Holes that occupy our horizons (2022) Bianca’s interest in materials derived from nature becomes apparent. The large paper sheets are made from stinging nettles. As a common pioneer plant, nettles can be found anywhere shady and damp enough. In contrast to regular paper production, Bianca’s surfaces are disrupted and heterogeneous, resulting in an intricate tactile surface. The burning sensation caused when bare skin comes in contact with the leaves and the stinging nettle’s fine hairs functions as protection for the plant from being eaten, whilst simultaneously offering fewer sensitive creatures like insects a space safe from predators.”
Contemporary Matters, 2022