“In this work, I deliberately use black as the sole medium on the canvas. Black stands for many things. Among other things, it stands for elegance, prosperity, power, but is also associated with mourning, death, fear or the occult. However, I use the color to allow the work to enter into a relationship with its surroundings. There are shiny and matt surfaces, grooves and notches. Depending on the light, the surrounding colors, the viewer’s point of view, the angle, the image appears slightly different each time.
Different textures can be discovered on the surface, created by different applications of black paint. Some areas of the picture are glossy and reflect light more strongly, while others appear matt. Viewed in isolation, the image is divided into horizontal sections with different textures. The glossy and matte areas reflect or absorb the light – and the surrounding colors. The different textures and reflections create a visual depth and complexity that captivates the inclined viewer.
Each viewing enters into a relationship – between the work and the viewer. It is always a subjective interpretation and the true meaning of the artwork may and should, as so often, lie in the eye of the beholder.” Björn Wiedemann, 11.03.2024
The title “Noir et Lumiere” of the series of works is a tribute to Pierre Soulages (*1919 †2022). With his monumental works, views and approaches to art, the French artist is a role model and source of inspiration for Björn Wiedemann.
You can also watch a short clip about this work here on the video page.