"REFORMED" ©2019
An installation inspired by Dürer's Melancholia I. The objects on this installation are "trompe l'oeil" (trick the eye), 3D modeled and printed. Adapting old methods by the new technology of 3D printing the objects shown on Dürer's engraving were given contemporary symbolism.
The Reformation (14-16th century) other than attacks on the powers of the Church brought also changes to the workings of society. Notably the printed word and image were liberated from the privilege of the clergy. In those times religious "thought-police" persecuted both the old magic and the new sciences with increasing ferocity. In order to evade the pyre(fire) progressive Humanist thinkers resorted to a "symbol-language" with a hidden message. In Melencolia1(the engraving by Dürer) this form of communication is mingled with the feeling of deep sadness (melancholia), a mere depression in ordinary people but can inspire creative fervor in the gifted.
Freedom of expression is an obligation for the individual but when we experience inadequate progress in solving various critical issues the haunting "melancholia" dominates and severe depression can become an epidemic.
"REFORMED" W387xH300xD67 cm is an allegory that suggests transformation. The recognizable objects associated with certain function are modern resemblance of the objects appearing in the etching. Printed in 3d they lack the inteded function thus raising the everlasting question in art : What is real and what is not ? Further we find in this work a dialogue and the evolution of reproduction methods, the analogue etching to the present digital technology of 3d printing. Exploring the message conveyed in the image one encounters many hidden symbols and metaphors which are "reformed" so as to meet a relevant reason in the contemporary world.