Based on the Greek concept of mimesis, a basic theoretical principle in art that refers to the idea of “imitation” in the sense of “re-presentation”, rather than of “copying”, Mimesis presents the work of three artists that explore the constantly changing perceptual relationship between man and nature, and between nature and art.
Plato and Aristotle discussed the meaning of mimesis as the re-presentation of nature. According to Plato, all artistic creation is a form of imitation whilst in Aristotelian aesthetics, the term mimesis refers to the imitation of an ideal form. The three artists, Roberto Ciredz, Jan Kalab and Eelco van den Berg express their posture in three different ways following their own and unique styles.
Roberto Ciredz, certainly one the most interesting artists of a new generation of Italian Urban Art, created for the occasion a site-specific installation in the gallery’s main hall. The installation, like the rest of the presented work, is inspired by a close study of nature, giving room to an alternative reality through abstraction in search for the essential in it. The perceptual relationship between mankind and nature, its changeable essence, unstable and at times misleading, is the central element of his style.
Multidisciplinary Dutch street artist Eelco van den Berg, presents a rather different approach. His vibrant works own an expressive power standing out by its strong use of colours and outlines, combined with highly decorative elements.
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Eelco van den Berg and Jan Kalab, important names of the international Urban Art, authors of important public works, will exhibit for the first time in an Italian gallery.
Coming from a classic graffiti background and being one of the pioneers of Eastern European graffiti in the early 90‘s,the work of Jan Kaláb represents a summary of all his experiences during those years where he finally found the path to abstraction, a path he has been exploring through canvas since 2007.
Characteristic of his work is the use of circles or spheres and a bright colour palette. His compositions explore the infinite variations of abstract painting capable of generating surprising depth and dynamic effects.
About the artists:
Jan Kaláb (Prague, 1978) was born at a time when the Iron Curtain still existed. As Czech Republic separated from Slovakia everyday life opens to new and different influences from Western culture. Jan, growing up in this period, develops an original style and completely antithetical with the tradition, becoming one of the most recognized pioneers and protagonists of the new art scene. Since 2007, Among the exhibitions he participated over the time are the solo shows in Romania, Argentina, Germany and the United States.
Roberto Ciredz (1981, Cagliari), is one of the most innovative artists of Italian urban abstract art. His works on paper, on the wall, his sculptures and his enigmatic and beautiful installations have been appreciated in numerous exhibitions and national and international events, such as Katowice Street Art Festival in Poland, Muu Festival in Croatia, Asalto Festival and US Barcelona in Spain, and the well-known Village Underground Wall in London. Recently he took part in “Becoming Marni” project, developed in the northeast of Brazil in the Segipe region, exhibited at the 56th Venice Biennale.
Eelco van den Berg (1974, Uden), is an artist and illustrator that works mainly in Rotterdam and New York. Psychedelic landscapes, an original palette of strong colors which originates from the streets of New York. Named among the 10 most influential artists in New York, it has numerous collaborations with international brands including Levi’s, Philips, Heineken.
Mimesis runs through November 12th at MAGMA gallery – Galleria d’Arte Contemporanea Bologna – Via Santo Stefano n. 164, 40125 Bologna – IT.
Author: Fran
Founder and editor of Urbanite. Street Art lover who after the finishing her MA thesis on the Mexican and Norwegian muralist movement in the 1920-50s, developed a fascination for street art and graffiti that eventually led to collaborations with different art blogs, including the creation of this one.
