Renowned Austrian artist Kevin Klamminger is making a striking debut at Unit with an evocative solo exhibition that captivates both the eye and the mind. Through an intriguing array of vibrant paintings and meticulous pencil works, Klamminger delves into the fascinating interplay between the conscious and the unconscious, inviting viewers into a realm where the lines blur.
The exhibition, titled Promethean Approach, is artistically united by a lavish palette of sunset hues, including deep oranges, vibrant yellows, and fiery reds. This choice of color creates a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, mirroring Klamminger’s ongoing thematic exploration of polarities. Visually compelling elements like horses, butterflies, shields, and spears emerge as evocative symbols, drawing the audience into an intricate game of meaning-making that heightens this thematic tension.
A striking sense of irony permeates Klamminger’s creations as he playfully confronts the absurdity of conventional heroic motifs, exemplified by his hyper-muscular horses. The artist’s fascination lies in the animal’s powerful physique coupled with its inherently anxious demeanor. This tension reaches a crescendo in the painting “Veni, Vidi, Vici,” where two imposing centurions engage in a fierce clash upon a beach, their steeds’ fibrous necks entwined grotesquely, transforming the scene into a surreal anatomical study.
Opting for an unstructured and spontaneous creative process, Klamminger refrains from a premeditative approach. He allows these representational aspects to emerge organically onto the canvas, often manifesting “without warning.” As noted by the gallery, “Klamminger believes that psychoanalyzing his own imagery would unlock too many doors, doors he does not necessarily wish to explore.”
The exhibition presents a fractured yet harmonious experience, cultivating an imaginative space that resists simplistic interpretations while simultaneously inviting a spectrum of viewpoints.
Promethean Approach will be on view at Unit until December 8, 2024.
Unit
3 Hanover Square
London W1S 1HD
How does your background or previous experiences inform your artistic exploration in “Promethean Approach”?
**Interview with Kevin Klamminger on His Upcoming Exhibition “Promethean Approach”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Kevin. We’re excited to learn more about your exhibition at Unit London. Your work dives into the complexities of the conscious and unconscious mind. Can you tell us what inspired this theme?
**Kevin Klamminger:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration for exploring the conscious and unconscious primarily stems from my fascination with dreams and the subconscious connections we often overlook in our daily lives. I believe that art has the power to bridge these two realms, and I hope to encourage viewers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions.
**Editor:** The title of the exhibition, “Promethean Approach,” is intriguing. What does it signify in the context of your work?
**Kevin Klamminger:** The title refers to the myth of Prometheus, who brought fire to humanity—a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment. By engaging with bold colors and dynamic forms, I aim to ignite conversations about the duality of human existence. It’s about harnessing that ‘fire’ and using it to explore deeper, often hidden aspects of our psyche.
**Editor:** Your use of sunset hues is noted as a unifying feature in the exhibition. How did you choose this palette?
**Kevin Klamminger:** Sunset hues blend warmth and coolness, representing the transition between day and night, consciousness and unconsciousness. They create an emotional resonance that I believe resonates with viewers. It also reflects the idea that beauty and complexity can coexist, much like the themes I explore through my work.
**Editor:** Your exhibition consists of both vibrant paintings and meticulous pencil works. What role does each medium play in conveying your message?
**Kevin Klamminger:** The vibrant paintings embody the chaos and vibrancy of the unconscious mind, while the pencil works bring a sense of clarity and structure associated with the conscious mind. Together, they create a dialogue. This interplay invites viewers to consider their own mental landscapes and the contrasts within.
**Editor:** To wrap up, what do you hope audiences take away from “Promethean Approach”?
**Kevin Klamminger:** I hope they leave with a sense of curiosity and introspection. I want them to feel that they can delve deeper into themselves and the world around them, questioning perceptions and embracing the complexities of their own thoughts and emotions.
**Editor:** Thank you, Kevin, for your insights, and best of luck with your exhibition!
**Kevin Klamminger:** Thank you so much! I’m looking forward to sharing my work with everyone.