ARON DEMETZ
ARON DEMETZ, Ruben
Limewood, 64 x 23 x 15 cm
Aron Demetz has achieved international prominence with exhibitions at the Venice Biennale in 2009, PAC in Milan, MACRO in Rome and the Arp Museum in Rolandseck, Germany.
‘For me, the act of burning is so important; for what remains is Truth, clear and unmistakably raw. It’s a way of not only being clear and unequivocal, but a means by which one reverts back to zero.’ – Aron Demetz
The process of working with wood is the foundation of Demetz’s oeuvre and aesthetic. Using an ancient woodcarving technique that originated in the 17th century in South Tyrol, Demetz explores the possibilities and limitations of wood as a material and celebrates its textures and ability for transformation by deploying a range of innovative techniques, including controlled burning, lacerating the wood or applying layers of natural resin. Indeed, his sculptures evoke themes of injury and healing; of metamorphosis.
The stark contrast between the smoothly carved figures and the highly textured distressed wood surfaces; the pale limewood and charred wood cast in bronze, serves as a visual metaphor for this ambivalent relationship between humanity and nature, our coexistence with the natural world and our alienation from it. Through Demetz’ craftsmanship, his figures and the material from which they are hewn become an inseparable whole.
Specialists in contemporary art from South Africa. Established in 1913. South African artists are part of the global conversation. We seek to make their voices heard.