NARRATION PATHS
12 July - 8 September 2024
vernissage:
12 July 2024, hour 18:00
An exhibition of paintings by Robert Bubel - “Narrative Paths” - is underway at the BWA SOKOL Contemporary Art Gallery. We present a selection of works from the last 10 years of the artist's work. We invite you to read the author's text about the exhibition:
One must have a reason to paint. In fact, a number of reasons which, in varying proportions make up main reason. Can we name it? Can a painter do it? Maybe yes. Maybe not, but this doesn’t matter. The language of concepts and notions is not always adequate and often barely signals the meaning included in painting.
We paint as we are convinced we have to express something important. Something important to us. But does this expression have any weight or significance? That is to be seen in the reaction of its recipients. Those who look at the painting, experience it in their own peculiar way and interpret it. Because art is also – or mainly – a form of interpersonal communication. Though not expressed in words or notions, it is potentially powerful in its impact on us.
Painting does not consist in saying something directly, it is multifaceted and ambiguous. But does that make it different from human experience? Isn’t a metaphor in poetry able to call issues and things which our simple and logical language avoids, powerless of expressing them?
In my view, what a painting presents is just an excuse for an essential statement made by the painter. The painting poses questions rather than provides us with answers. It moves us, arouses emotions and associations – if it is good and if it works. If not, it is merely a decoration.
Every painting tells a story. Or, to be precise, a multitude of stories. Metaphorically, not directly, using painting tools. Regardless of whether it is figurative or abstract language. And it is this story that appeals to its recipient for some reaction, invites them to participate and affects them. These stories build up narration which leads us along various paths. Directions and points of view change in time, evolve, change aspects and means of expression. And painting leads us along such paths. If, obviously, we want to walk along them. And if the painting works – if it possesses this power to involve the viewer in the world of its meanings. Because if it does not, it remains a decoration.
Robert Bubel
We paint as we are convinced we have to express something important. Something important to us. But does this expression have any weight or significance? That is to be seen in the reaction of its recipients. Those who look at the painting, experience it in their own peculiar way and interpret it. Because art is also – or mainly – a form of interpersonal communication. Though not expressed in words or notions, it is potentially powerful in its impact on us.
Painting does not consist in saying something directly, it is multifaceted and ambiguous. But does that make it different from human experience? Isn’t a metaphor in poetry able to call issues and things which our simple and logical language avoids, powerless of expressing them?
In my view, what a painting presents is just an excuse for an essential statement made by the painter. The painting poses questions rather than provides us with answers. It moves us, arouses emotions and associations – if it is good and if it works. If not, it is merely a decoration.
Every painting tells a story. Or, to be precise, a multitude of stories. Metaphorically, not directly, using painting tools. Regardless of whether it is figurative or abstract language. And it is this story that appeals to its recipient for some reaction, invites them to participate and affects them. These stories build up narration which leads us along various paths. Directions and points of view change in time, evolve, change aspects and means of expression. And painting leads us along such paths. If, obviously, we want to walk along them. And if the painting works – if it possesses this power to involve the viewer in the world of its meanings. Because if it does not, it remains a decoration.
Robert Bubel