Gerhard Petzl, born in 1973 in Graz, Austria, is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work spans over three decades. He currently resides and works in Vevey, Switzerland, and Kalsdorf/Graz, Austria. Petzl’s artistic journey is marked by an exploration of shape, color, and texture, leading him into uncharted territories and self-discovery. His work is not confined to any single medium, technique, or shape, as he seamlessly transitions from traditional 2D visuals to digital art and creates sculptures ranging from found objects and recycled materials to metal works like bronze or aluminum. His artistic endeavors even extend into the realm of science, showcasing the depth and breadth of his creative vision.
One of Petzl’s projects is his series of “Shadow Sculptures,” which challenges the traditional notion of sculpture and its relationship with space. In this collection, Petzl assembles a potpourri of his original hand-carved sculptures, removes the sculptures digitally, and manually colors the empty space that remains. The photographs, some of which were taken as early as 2002, possess a grainy quality that adds a soft touch of life to the compositions. The artist poses a thought-provoking question: Were the sculptures merely a means to create shadows for the drawing-like images that emerge? Is the absence of three-dimensional space, and the presence of layers akin to a collage, a superior solution to the sculptures themselves?
Upon closer inspection, one can discern the pixelated imperfections of some edges, which Petzl deliberately left intact. This decision brings the compositions closer to real painting details, emphasizing color shades and contrasts. It is a visual journey from three-dimensional space to two-dimensional space, where the boundaries between the physical and the digital blur, and the essence of the sculptures is distilled into their shadows.
Petzl’s “Shadow Sculptures” challenge the viewer to contemplate the nature of sculpture, space, and representation. The absence of the physical sculptures invites us to consider the power of shadows and the role they play in shaping our perception of form. Petzl’s exploration of shape, color, and texture continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums and inviting us to embark on a visual journey that transcends the confines of space and time.
