Mona Ardeleanu. far closer

From 17 Sep to 16 Oct 2021 we show for the third time Mona Ardeleanu ( *1984 ) in a solo exhibition.

From a distance, Mona Ardeleanu's objects evoke familiar memories, images, and associations in the viewer. But the closer one gets to the works of the Stuttgart-based artist, the more unfathomable they become. In her oil paintings, fantastic entities float in undefined pictorial spaces and are elaborately detailed. Mona Ardeleanu paints a wide variety of materials, patterned and folded paper, furs, Delft porcelain, ribbons, woven raffia, or delicate fabrics. The closer the viewer approaches her works, the more distinct become the fine brushstrokes that make up her objects.

The titles Mona Ardeleanu gives her works are as imaginative as her paintings. "Schnürungen", "Flexit" or "Reuse" provoke associations in the viewer, who automatically tries to match the title of the painting to what is depicted. The Reuse, a net device known for fishing for fish and birds, is found again in the work "Reuse I". However, any function is lost here and the object takes on an independent character that almost personifies it. In a subtle way Mona Ardeleanu directs the viewer's gaze and at the same time gives him space without drawing too much attention to her influence. Thus, the titles of the paintings become a poetic metaphor of the works, stimulating the viewer's imagination. This phenomenon is also taken up in the exhibition title. With "far closer" not only the contrast of far and near is addressed, but can also be translated to "much closer". Mona Ardeleanu hereby extends an invitation to view her paintings from different angles.

In the three works "Schnürungen 2021 / II", "Schnürungen 2021 / IV" and "Schnürungen 2021 / V", the shape of an organic heart is wrapped in Mona Ardeleanu's precise brushstrokes. Whether with dense fur and small vessels in the style of Delft porcelain or a heart that looks like it is made of woven raffia, with a circular pattern - here Mona Ardeleanu plays with perception. Her objects are taken from their surroundings and become independent characters in the undefinable pictorial space. The artist is not concerned with depicting an anatomically accurate heart. Rather, the form of the objects conforms to what is depicted. Thus, the shape of the heart in "Schnürungen 2021 / II" is influenced by the blue and white koi pattern that winds across the surface. The pattern, which partially extends beyond the delineated sections, is neither distorted nor compressed and thus opposes a realistic representation. This intentional break contributes significantly to the harmony in the image. Pattern, light, shadow, and form are used by the artist in such a way that a harmonious overall composition is created, which emphasizes the fantastic character of Mona Ardeleanu's painting.