Wolfgang Guenther’s work explores the intermediate stages of human development, perception and self-reflection within the confines of oppressive spaces. Throughout Guenther’s practice the artist examines this representation and reflection within the concept of portraiture which spans from the formation of asexual forms, definitions of their physical nature, through to the dissolution of their character and human qualities. His work does not involve the subversion or obscuring of a sexualized aesthetic but rather a habitual categorization focusing on qualities such as morphing bodies within empty spaces and the formation of isolated figures. These are solely defined due to their raw physical nature, that invite us to explore the nuances within preconceived assumptions of defining the self within the human image undergoing within a state metamorphosis.
A central theme that spans through the exhibition is an overarching presence of anatomical elements from fragmented bodies, humanlike creatures and bare skulls which are embedded in a seemingly synthetic colour spectrum. Due to his practice consisting of rapidly and spontaneously applied diluted paint on constantly rotating canvases in the process of image construction, the subjects created might appear like playful apparitions. However, they seem unsettling in their unshakably isolated presence while being placed in a disoriented environment. This environment within the image is created by rotating the canvas during the painting process, thus not starting from a fixed conceptualization or orientation of the sujet and its surroundings. In conjunction with this, the standardised approach of composition within figuration is rejected and allows the image to determine its own space and perception.
Adhering to this logic, Guenther’s chosen figures float within the boundaries of the image without orientation. This deliberate act of dislocation, enforced on the process by how the images are constructed, emerges in an effortless blend of figurative and abstract compositions that are concentrated on the fragility of self-perception. The insinuated melancholy only exemplifies the struggle to interact with the layers and veneers defining the human conditions of personal growth. In works such as Symbiotic Mind or Rewired, the internal struggle to shed these layers of human limitation and creating an equilibrium of these conditions culminates in the idea of mirrored images and protagonists falling or floating into an abyss defined by their own confrontation with their indistinct identity. The gazes within the paintings are downcast or avoidant insinuating a sense of humility leading to a discomfort of being seen. In this context Guenther’s figures convincingly express a distinctly sharp desire of exposure in their disoriented surroundings.
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Wolfgang Guenther (b. 1990, Munich) currently lives and works in Berlin. Guenther completed his MFA in Painting in 2021 at HFBK Hamburg.
Previous exhibitions include: Kevin Kramer Gallery, New York, Ninetto Gallery, Athens, Cabin Gallery, New York 2025; Melancholia Futura, curated by Nicola Petek and Saša Bogojev, Haunt Berlin 2025; Tales and Tiles, Comedy of the Absurd, F2T Gallery Milan 2025 (Duo); Bare Things, Setareh Berlin 2025; Dreamers, Kunstsammlung Halle 2024; In Bloom, curated by Dylan S. Kraus and Emmanuel L. Desir, Open Forum Berlin 2024; Nahual, Cabin Gallery Berlin 2023; Satelliting Groundfloor, curated by FKA6, Okay Space Athens 2023; It’s quite like Guggenheim at Ringcenter, curated by Captain Stavros, Berlin 2023; Lil Gloom, Spread Museum Entrevaux 2022 (Solo) etc.