Art Review: Oehlen And Gordon's Hysteria

promociones.com.ar Team Editor

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Feb 01, 2025

40 visitor like this post

Share

Art Review: Oehlen and Gordon's Hysteria: A Collision of Abstract Expressionism and Conceptual Art

The current exhibition pairing the works of Albert Oehlen and Douglas Gordon, titled "Hysteria," presents a fascinating, if somewhat unsettling, dialogue between two distinct artistic approaches to abstraction. While seemingly disparate at first glance, a closer examination reveals a shared preoccupation with disrupting established artistic conventions and engaging in a playful, even mischievous, exploration of painting's inherent limitations and possibilities.

Oehlen's Calculated Chaos: Deconstructing Painting's Legacy

Albert Oehlen's contribution to "Hysteria" showcases his signature style: a seemingly chaotic blend of gestural abstraction and calculated composition. His canvases are a battlefield of vibrant colors, aggressive brushstrokes, and seemingly accidental marks. Yet, beneath this apparent spontaneity lies a deeply considered strategy. Oehlen doesn't merely reject the traditions of painting; he actively deconstructs them, exposing the artifice and conventions that underpin even the most seemingly expressive works.

The Playful Subversion of Tradition

He employs techniques that feel both deliberate and accidental – layering, scraping, overpainting, and incorporating found elements – creating a complex visual tapestry that constantly shifts and destabilizes the viewer's perception. This isn't simply abstract expressionism; it's abstract expressionism interrogated, dissected, and reassembled in a way that constantly challenges our understanding of the medium itself. The deliberate imperfections in his work speak volumes about the constructed nature of artistic "genius" and the inherent artifice within the creative process.

Gordon's Conceptual Interventions: Challenging the Gaze

Douglas Gordon's work, on the other hand, operates within a decidedly different framework. Known for his conceptual and often video-based installations, Gordon's contribution to "Hysteria" offers a stark contrast to Oehlen's vibrant canvases. His pieces often involve a subtle, yet powerful, intervention into existing works, highlighting the ways in which we perceive and interpret art.

The Power of Suggestion and Manipulation

Gordon's work isn't about creating something new; it's about manipulating, recontextualizing, and ultimately questioning what we see. He uses a variety of techniques, including slowing down or reversing film footage, altering existing artworks, or using simple, yet thought-provoking installations to challenge our assumptions and disrupt our viewing habits. This deliberate manipulation of perception and expectation speaks to the constructed nature of our understanding of art and its place within broader cultural narratives.

A Dialogue of Disruption: The Unsettling Harmony of "Hysteria"

While seemingly disparate, Oehlen and Gordon's work within the "Hysteria" exhibition finds a surprising harmony in their shared commitment to challenging artistic norms. Both artists, though using different approaches, expose the underlying structures and assumptions inherent in artistic production and reception. Oehlen's raw, visceral canvases challenge our understanding of expressive painting, while Gordon's subtle interventions challenge our very act of looking.

The Curatorial Vision: A Powerful Pairing

The curatorial decision to juxtapose these two artists is brilliant. The contrast between Oehlen's explosive canvases and Gordon's thoughtful interventions creates a dynamic tension that enriches the viewing experience. The exhibition isn't just about showcasing two individual artists; it's about creating a conversation, a dialogue between opposing, yet complementary, approaches to contemporary art.

The unsettling quality of "Hysteria" is precisely its strength. It forces us to confront the complexities of contemporary art, questioning our assumptions about creation, interpretation, and the very nature of artistic expression itself. This is an exhibition that demands attention, provokes thought, and leaves a lasting impression long after you leave the gallery. Don't miss it.

Keywords:

Albert Oehlen, Douglas Gordon, Hysteria, Abstract Expressionism, Conceptual Art, Art Review, Exhibition Review, Contemporary Art, Painting, Installation Art, Art Criticism, Modern Art, Gestural Abstraction, Visual Art, Art History, Museum Exhibition.