Examining the oeuvre of the German artist German Stegmaier (born 1959), painting and drawing appear to be two separate forms of expression, developing independently of each other. In his abstract paintings, which sometimes evoke associations with landscapes or skies, grey always plays a key role. Grey as a non-colour that covers previous layers or cuts of possibilities. Grey, however, is also extremely sensitive to reflection and absorption of light and colour, and therefore sometimes evokes depth or a feeling of weightlessness. German Stegmaier often works for a long time on a drawing, sometimes even spread over several years. His drawings express both determination and hesitation. He creates delicate constructions without a preconceived plan. Often lines are erased, but they still remain visible. Drawings are cut up and brought back together. Although they are abstract, they evoke references to architecture, spatiality and bodies.
Read MoreStegmaier regularly exhibits at home and abroad. A number of works by Stegmaier have been included in the group exhibition Linie Line Linea_, who has been travelling the world for many years, with drawings by 20 important Germany-based artists. His works is included in the following institutional collections: Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, Teylers Museum (Haarlem), Pinakothek der Moderne (Munich), Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Kupferstichkabinett (Berlin), Deutscher Bundestag (Berlin), Kunstmuseum Bonn, Museum Kunstpalast (Düsseldorf), Kupferstichkabinett (Dresden), Saarland Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, Harvard University (Cambridge), Staatliche Graphische Sammlung (Munich), Staatsgalerie (Stuttgart), Hamburger Kunsthalle, Graphische Sammlung Albertina (Vienna) and Kunsthaus Zurich.
Text courtesy Kristof De Clercq gallery.
