Installation Views
Press release
DESIRE DESIESE DEVISE is the first anthological exhibition of the extensive production of drawings, collage and text works in the work of Monica Bonvicini.
Monica Bonvicini, known for her large-scale installations, works for public spaces, sculptures and videos, is one of the most important international artists of her generation. Her engagement with the medium of drawing is correspondingly exciting. It ranges from illustrative comic-like motifs, a wide variety of text works and collages to many filigree sketches and constructions on paper, some of which were implemented as sculptures or installations and others - because they were just an idea - were discarded. The exhibition demonstrates the processual nature of the artist's work, who spent her early years at the HdK/UdK Berlin and originally studied painting. The range of drawings in the exhibition goes from "almost nothing" to "muscular" - and all at the same time and of equal value.
Bonvicini produced preliminary drawings for many of her installations, detailed sketches and textual notes that reveal the development of these works and her conception of space, place and interaction with the audience. Series of collages, created in preparation for installations, provide an intimate insight into the exploration of various themes, including architecture, sexuality and fetishism. Her eclectic interests are reflected in the different styles and materials: Quotations from advertising, art and architecture history and theory, music and poetry intertwine in a virtuosity that can be located somewhere between elegance and punk.
Monica Bonvicini has developed her own exhibition architecture together with the Museum Abteiberg. The museum's existing open architecture was enhanced with the addition of walls and walk-in cabinets, allowing open and closed structures to connect with the drawings and enhance their eclectic character. In total, the exhibition shows more than 300 works.
Images:
Courtesy of the artist
© Monica Bonvicini and VG-Bildkunst, Bonn 2022, Photo: © Studio Monica Bonvicini
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