#ursus wehrli
Review of TED Talk speaker, Ursus Wehrli.
Wehrli’s lecture was based on his obsession with re-constructing famous pieces of artwork as he considers them ‘untidy’. He does this in such a way that completely alters the perception of the art and in turn makes a new meaning for itself.
Wehrli’s style was very tongue-in-cheek. It is clear that his work is based on humour by challenging what is to be considered as aesthetic value in a painting; especially when spatial awareness is concerned. He states that art has aesthetic 'clutter’ that in his opinon is uncomfortable to view or contemplate, and therefore the piece can be re-arranged and as a result, be returned to its 'original state’.
It is clear that Wehrli is aware of the linear structures within art, and with this he intends to re-organise the space within the frame so that the information that makes up the painting is clearly accessed. By this, he is not only re-arranging the composition, but is also drastically changing the aesthetic value, altering the purpose and creating another veil of meaning. This contribution not only mocks the visual content, but the concept and perception of the piece.
Artists whom he was most inspired by were, Vincent van Gogh, Jasper Johns, Donald Baechler, Paul Klee, Jackson Pollock and Rene Magritte, who’s work he continued to simplify and taunt.
“Its a bit more structured, it’s not too bad, this is Jasper Johns we can see he was practising with his ruler but I think it could benefit from some more discipline.” - Wehrli
(below) Rene Magritte, Jackson Pollock and Jasper Johns work have all been simplified and made into a more logical composition.
As for the actual presentation, Wehrli was clear and easy to understand (even with a heavy Swedish accent). He didn’t use a PowerPoint format to communicate his work, rather display easels and boards, which gave it more of a personal touch as it was not done through technological means.
Although the subject matter had no particular relevance to my own studio practice, I did find the talk enjoyable and less dictating than the others I have attended or reviewed.
Reviewed by, Katie Varey
12/1/2014
Video can be viewed at:
