all works by Ralf Dereich, "Freel" (27.04 - 08.07) at Cruise & Callas, Berlin; Courtesy Cruise & Callas, Berlin; photos by artfridge
Some months ago, Ralf Dereich told me in an interview that he was already thinking about a title for his upcoming show at Cruise & Callas in Berlin. While merely numbering his singular works, his shows always have striking titles. Now the show is running and it's called "Freel", which sounds to me a little like a hybrid of Free and Feel. Two emotionally charged terms. On the flyer, the pastel blue lettering stretches over a cloudy white background.
The title is well put, because it introduces the six large paintings quite precisely: Dereich alignes his artistic process with subconscious feelings and sensitivity. What feels right may stay in the picture. If it feels wrong, he waits and observes, eventually taking a decision after a couple of days. Construction and deconstruction permanently oscillate. A pastel orange-pink smudge, a blue line, a purple corner - every element is chosen in an experimental and intuitive process, trying to find a new artistic Vocabulary. Dereich uses this word fairly often. His intention lies in the discovery of a new language that he repeats, until it seems to be exhausted.
Round and organic shapes continuously reappear in his work, but Dereich's newest paintings are cut loose from any geometric or figurative basis. While he considers his work to have both, harsh and light characteristics, the choice of colours is strikingly positive. Only two paintings, a green one in the dark basement and a red one face to face with the entrance door, differ from this perception and enter a darker sphere. However, there is no way of denying that the six works are all beautiful.
When a work of art is freed from realistic content and representation, the process of creation may be even more complicate. Since there is no obvious limit, no framework and above all, no required result in abstraction, the artistic approach becomes more valuable and important to the final piece. The process of creation - shifting between determining feelings and artistic freedom - suddenly takes the center stage. Bauhaus pioneer Anni Albers couldn't have put it better: "...no picture exists before it is done, no form before its shaped...Things take shape in material and in the process of working it." (1944)
RALF DEREICH - FREEL
27.04-08.07.2013
Köpenicker Str. 187/188
10998 Berlin (Kreuzberg)
Opening Hours: Wed - Sat, 12-18h
all works by Ralf Dereich, "Freel" (27.04 - 08.07) at Cruise & Callas, Berlin; Courtesy Cruise & Callas, Berlin; photos by artfridge