DAS UEBERHAUPT

SABIN AELL | Drawings
BRENDA STUMPF | Sculpture

SABIN AELL's "Black and White" series is drawn with black felt marker on transparent plastic foil (67 x 27 inch). "Black and White" is a visual reflection on conflicts, about right or wrong, attraction or repulsion. What is more seductive, black or white the good or the bad? "Black and White" are showing ambivalent faces leaving traces of hesitation. The massive forms of black are interrupted by fine floral lines never revealing the intentions entirely neither giving an answer.

"It speaks in absent-minded behaviour, dances and seduces.
Don't waste your sex.
Don't abuse lust and passion.
Be Black and White."

Sabin Aell, internationally active, finds her artistic potential in different media. She forces the observer to find his/her longings in a reductive visual language. This enthralling party of controversial conflicts awaits you.

The art of Brenda Stumpf is steeped in history, religion, metaphysics and mythology. References in her work have included Pandora, the Black Madonna, Hatshepsut, The Crusades, The Inquisition, alchemy, and sacred sexuality; also the music of Arvo Pärt and the poetry of Pablo Neruda and Hafiz. Elements of her work are like secrets or prayers suggesting meditations and offerings to love and loss. The artist often feels as if she is distilling the ancient and presenting it's modern counterpart.

Stumpf's sculpture is created with non-traditional materials which are often covered with translucent sienna toned paper from steeped tea bags and then portions are coated with white paint and/or pigmented wax.

The deconstruction of objects and preparation of materials are some of the longest processes. One of these is the steeping of hundreds of tea bags at a time. They are steeped in hot water and then placed to dry over a period of days. The tops are then cut off and the tea is removed. Lastly, the seam is opened and the delicate paper is flattened. This process feels ritualistic and ceremonial, which adds an incredible layer of meaning to the work.