Franziska Kneidl
Bounty
06.03. – 10.04.2016

A panel painting, even the most abstract one, always has the character of a window. It allows a glimpse into imaginary worlds. Not so with the paintings of Frankfurt artist Franziska Kneidl. Her non-representational painting literally ‘enters’ the room, confronting us directly, physically and life-sized. Mutiny of painting?, one might ask, alluding to the exhibition title BOUNTY. Or more precisely: mutiny of the picture support? The painter folds it, drapes it, throws it over rings that are reminiscent of abstract heads - but without faces, without any facial expressions. The ‘bodies’ and the ‘clothes’ themselves also avoid narrow characterization. They remain open beings. And this can even be taken literally. Because their transparent picture support (a special plastic film) allows fascinating glimpses of color. Despite their volumes - Kneidl’s largest work to date, at over four metres high, is on display in Bremerhaven - the works never appear massive, but rather incredibly light. They sometimes even swing like mobiles, moved by the breeze as people walk past. The exhibition in the Kunsthalle promises visitors a very special kind of painting experience. Franziska Kneidl will create a work based on the female figurehead of the BOUNTY especially for this exhibition.

Franziska Kneidl (*1967) lives and works in Frankfurt am Main, where she studied painting at the Städelschule. Works from the current phase of her work have been acquired by the Museum für Moderne Kunst Frankfurt, among others, and shown in the new branch MMK 2 until June 2015. The permanent presentation of a painting figurine in the permanent collection of the Museum Angewandte Kunst Frankfurt underlines the interdisciplinary character of these extraordinary works.

Curated by Klaus Becké.