Fabian Knecht’s forthcoming installation will encapsulate the untamed beauty of Austria’s natural landscape

The Artist Residency Reisenberg, initiated by the creative duo Kathrin and Bernhard Schluga, proudly introduces its first annual exhibition featuring the work of Fabian Knecht. His piece, Isolation (Felswand), marks the beginning of this new program in Austria, with the exhibition set to open on August 30th, 2024. This particular installation is positioned seven meters up a cliff face, cleverly concealed within the extensive forests and fields near a historic farmhouse atop the Carinthian mountains, established in 1765. The residency is designed to offer artists a distinctive space for creativity, tranquility, and a profound engagement with the natural world.
Isolation (Felswand) represents the most recent and intricate addition to Knecht’s body of work, which has been evolving since 2015. The Berlin-based artist is known for his unique approach of placing temporary white cube structures within untouched landscapes, ranging from moors and glaciers to forests and barren lands. Inside these minimalist spaces, Knecht captures the spirit of the landscape, offering viewers a new perspective and an element of surrealism. Through this series, he investigates the relationship between the art piece and its exhibition environment, challenging traditional boundaries.
Fabian Knecht’s artistic endeavor, Isolation (Felswand), encapsulates a piece of the natural landscape — specifically, a portion of a rock cliff — by situating it within the stark, white boundaries of a gallery space, bathed in the glow of neon lighting. This creative gesture shifts the natural element from its original ‘outdoor’ context to an ‘indoor’ setting, provoking a reevaluation of our understanding of what is natural versus what is manufactured.
Entering the space of Knecht’s Isolation feels like walking into a meticulously arranged tableau, an impression that is enhanced by the photographic records of the work. Yet, Knecht’s creations transcend mere static images. They are dynamic, living entities that offer an invitation to visitors to engage in a moment of serene contemplation. Within this space, the ambient sounds of the environment are magnified, nurturing a profound recognition of the symbiotic relationship between all entities. Isolation (Felswand) will welcome visitors during the months of September, October, and November 2024.
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