Exhibition Review: Andreas Gursky at Gagosian Gallery
Viktor & Rolf II, 2022, Diasec-mounted inkjet print, framed: 120 7⁄8 × 81 1⁄2 × 2 1⁄2 inches (307 × 207 × 6.2 cm), edition of 6 © Andreas Gursky/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Written by: Federica Barrios Carbonell
German photographer Andreas Gursky is famously known for his monumental digitally manipulated photographs that bring to light consumer culture and the busyness of contemporary life through colorful, action-packed, mesmerizing images. The selection of photographs presented by the Gagosian includes images from Gursky’s new and recent work, allowing for an impressive range of the artist’s later artistic development.
Eisläufer, 2021, Diasec-mounted inkjet print, framed: 84 5⁄8 × 160 1⁄4 × 2 1⁄2 inches (215 × 407 × 6.2 cm), edition of 6 © Andreas Gursky/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
At first sight, some of his images will look like collages of fictional that are, at the same time, very probable scenes of everyday life. Eisläufer (2021), depicts a post covid society. After a year of communal spaces being demonized and haunted by the questions about COVID-19, the general public finally accepted the outdoors. Fears eased and necessary measures were taken to bring life to its most normal version of itself possible. Children walk holding their guardian’s hands, ice skaters inspect the icy patches where grass previously grew, a multitude of people simply enjoy their day outside at the park. While the stage is cheerful, the image incites a strange sense of reminiscence and a feeling of restlessness. Quarantine was endured by all and caused plenty of new anxieties for different communities. When looking at this image the viewer is almost uncertain what impression is left in the back of the mind. While it is safe to say it is a happy time that allowed us to once again enjoy the simple pleasures of life and nature, I can’t help but notice the hordes of unmasked folk walking and gathering so close to one another. This image evokes emotions past that of the relaxed memory of spending a day at the park; it brings us back to a time of uncertainty and elicits a feeling of unease for not knowing what may happen next.
Politik II (Politics II), 2020, Diasec-mounted inkjet print, framed: 85 5⁄8 × 158 1⁄2 × 2 1⁄2 inches (217.4 × 402.4 × 6.2 cm), edition of 6 © Andreas Gursky/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
The agitations of a post-covid world must derive from somewhere. In this case, apprehensions come from the sudden changes that the virus instigated. In 2020, these emotions were at their peak. Gursky’s Politik II (2020) offers many interpretations of how the artist, and an extensive part of the population, may have interpreted these times of hardship. The giant clock can be representational of many things. The endless amounts of time spent locked up in our homes, hours turn into days, which turn into weeks, filled with unanswered questions, the world going through the same experiences, yet there is a newly introduced disconnect in society. Millions of people fighting similar battles, yet they are separate from one another. The title adds another dimension to the piece. In an era where unpredictability seemed to become the norm, people began to form meaningful movements and connections based on the political climate of the country.
Rhein III (Rhine III), 2018, Diasec-mounted inkjet print, framed: 93 5⁄8 × 160 1⁄2 × 2 1⁄2 inches (237.6 × 406.7 × 6.4 cm), edition of 6 © Andreas Gursky/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
The calming, hypnotizing image of a plain field and river in Rhein III (2018) fills one of the walls of the gallery and provides contrast from other exhibited works. Compositionally, this image is spectacular. The way the sky, waterway, and concrete road are produced from the same monochromatic grey color palette, perfectly harmonizes and glorifies the stunning golden fields. As though nature had purposefully recreated a Rothco painting and Andreas Gursky’s destiny was to capture the sight. The dimensionality of Gursky’s raw talent and artistic vision is so clearly seen through the wide variety of images exhibited at the Gagosian.
Andreas Gursky’s show will be exhibited at the Gagosian gallery in New York City from May 5 to June 18, 2022, in an in-person show at 541 West 24TH Street.
Photo Editor: Miller Lyle
