„My abstract paintings resemble shapes of eternal places. They reign discretely over the space they populate but offer transference. I create a space where souls feel safe and at the right spot on their restless journeys through many earthly lives. I work with acrylic, oil, pencil and charcoal to transfer lines and layers of color and shape to a composition that touches the soul of people.
My sculptures are different. I aim to create an entirely new species - visitors from a timeless other world getting a disturbing glimpse of how humanity destroys ourselves and the world in which we live. These mixed-media sculptures are tiny; I use a broad variety of materials to bring them to life including porcelain, wood, fur, epoxy, polymer clay, acrylic and oil. Frames, diorama, or life-sized installation completes the appearance, which is disturbing and appealing at the same time. All sculptures represent what we have dismissed in a fast-paced high-tech society long ago – but should aim for after all - the virtues of humanity and the struggle to aim for them.“
"Keto"
2019, ceramic sculpture (8 x 8 x 13 cm)
on dark maple frame (22 x 22 x 3 cm) with blue linnen dibond.
(photo credit: Stefan Groenveld)
"ドードー (Crazy Dodo)"
2017, mixed-media (2,5" x 4")
ドードー resembles the attitude to not take oneself too seriously.
The bird wears a fluffy furry pink coat and is particularly crazy. Since all Dodo species has been extinct, this bird is the very last one of his kind on earth and hence enjoys life to the fullest.
正義 (IUSTITIA)"
2017, mixed-media (3" x 4")
Iustitia, (lat. for justice) is one of the cardinal virtues, which all together are outside indications for inner dignity.
This interpretation of "iustitia" symbolically uses the blindfold of traditional sculptures combined with a crown, resembling that justice and law should affect everybody in an equal manner.
拘束 (TEMPERANTIA)
(2017) mixed-media (3" x 2")
Temperantia is one of 10 artworks of Art.Mann's "Tokyo Series" and
Japan debut show "Art.Mann - 味方.Verbündete".
Temperantia, (lat. for moderation) is one of the cardinal virtues, which all together are outside indications for inner dignity.
Especially "temperantia" symbolically connects European and East-Asian values of a moderate lifestyle. Traditionally, moderation concerns practicing self-control, abstention and discretion. Not to be mistaken with catholic chastity, however.
TREE OF LOVE
(2016) hand-sculpted life-size interactive tree installation - (appr. 124 ft x 145 ft.)
370 pounds of plaster, over wood and styrofoam structure. Branches holding 10 miniature sculptures in LED-lid glass containers with pull-down mechanism.12 days of team work. (Art.Mann creative team: Reza Yousofi, First Klaas Support and SUB Construction - photo credit: Noah Felk).
"Tree of Love" is a monument to honor the recently passed mentor of Art.Mann. The large dimensional tree resembles a mix of weeping willow tree and sacred fig tree, in order to represent both - the process of mourning and sorrow, as well as confidence and infinity afterwards. Visitors are invited to experience the endless fight of life and death, in a very calm atmosphere and to appreciate the precious beautiful moments of life instead of focussing on the sad events. To emphasize the artists message ten branches hold a miniature sculpture representing a personal cardinal virtue the artist chose for his future life arising from the time spent with his mentor. People are invited to reflect their own virtues of life and be motivated to overcome struggles of life stronger than before.
CAMOUFL'EYE'
(2012) hand-sculpted mixed media sculpture (app. 5''x2'').
'Fine feathers make fine birds' - or in German - 'Kleider machen Leute'. Camouflage is an efficient weapon to hide from enemies, especially from bigger and stronger
ones. In other words, natural armour to prevent a fight from actually happening.
Also impressing the desired opponent in flirting rituals, the first glance is one of the most decisive moments for the outcome of war. Appearance is more important than the actual figure,
strength and health. The Animal kingdom shows how it works, in a broad variety of creative measures evolution has taught the seemingly endless number of species out in mother natures resort.
CamouflEye reflects the possibilities of looking more powerful, elegant and successful, dangerous and attractive. What's behind the disguise and what character does this fine looking fellow
have?
Well, just ask him, should you meet him and are couragous enough for a face-to-face encounter.
天国も地獄も人の心の中にある
(2015) hand-sculpted mixed media sculpture & diorama (11"x11"x23").
天国も地獄も人の心の中にある
(Hell and Heaven are in the hearts of men).
Deeply disappointed by love, the once-most-beautiful woman's fortune became her own curse - and grave. During the certain hour, when
the boundaries blur between this world and what's beyond, she happens to encounter people – who get scared.
However, still faithful to her lover's oath, she is just a shy sleepwalker desperately looking for her lover on a never-ending
stray. In a combination of Japanese mythology and Buddhist teaching, this is a love story from a very unfamiliar perspective. It encourages to reflect one's own position towards love &
loyalty and to overcome common stereotypes.
RESISTANCE
(2013) hand-sculpted mixed media, app. 9’’x4’’x4“.
Concentration on the very essence of yourself, breathing, believing in yourself and your strength. When everyone tries to push you down, you’re struggling with life, society, discrimination and you feel your back to the wall. When you have no strength to get back up on your feet, you’re on the verge of giving up - breath. concentrate. believe. go on. resist!
Resistance is an essential attitude that keeps you going with yourself, your life and what you believe in or fight for. This creature has not had the ability to see the colours of life, taste its spice but was always told to be strange and weird. Its eyes and mouth are sewn up. Instead of believing what he’s been told, however, he cut the strings to all bad influence, and miraculously managed to push his tongue out of his sewn-up lips, revealing a third eyeball to discover life. He still is a strange fellow, but childhoodlike discovering the miracles of life! Believe in yourself and go on telling your own story of life! Don’t let anyone force you into a boring one.
BUGABOOS NIGHTMARE
(2015) hand-sculpted mixed media sculpture (body is a medicine bottle - head removable) and handcrafted wooden diorama, (app.10''x4"x4'' and 20''x8''x5''), oil paint.
Voodoo, comic horror movies and freak shows in old-age amusement parks are the origins of the story of 'Bugaboo's Nightmare'. Centerpiece is Bugaboo, the bear who brings nightmares to little
children, hiding under their beds. His eyes and teeth glow in the dark, his body parts carry Voodoo spells. However, this bugaboo is different: His soft fur encourages to pet him, and
he's suffering eye cataract which troubles him to find his victims.
He lives in a vintage freak show diorama box with Voodoo spells painted upon its walls to keep all ghosts and people out. LED lights the inside of the box in a flash light effect.
The title 'I'll see you in my dreams', is inspired by horror movies and pop culture quotations. The fear of having nightmares from scary stories is actually a stereotype considering the
opposite role: Obviously Bugaboo suffers from nightmares, too.
REDTRINITY
(2013) hand-sculpted mixed media (app 2.5“x1.5“x1.5“).
Trinity is the aim of meditation, wisdom comes by concentrating on yourself, aiming to open the third eye.
This little guy does not seem like a wise one, but managed to acheive
enlightenment, his cute tiny size puts emphasis on each one’s ability to go further, beyond the borders of your own self.
DIPLOMATIE
(2014) mixed media, app. (13''x6"x5").
Diplomacy is fighting with strong weapons in a most charming way. Convincing the opponent by smiling in his face, while clutching onto a knife clunched in your fist behind your back.
A respectful bow showing honour and considering the person as a sneaky traitor at the same time.
Diplomacy is a chess game with big smiles and happy faces.
WEISER WEIßER WAISER (WISE WHITE OPHAN)
(2012) hand-sculpted mixed media (app. 10“x5“x5“).
MF Gallery, NYC 2012.
Wisdom often comes with age, experience, but often it is not heard and accepted or discussed with by the younger generation.
By creating this wise rabbit sculpture I pay respect to my ancestors, family and every creation that lay the seed to my existence. Trying to acknowledge the wisdom of nature and older generations I do my very best to live a faithful and humble life. But again, treasures of the mind are hidden behind the (furry) mask of each creature.
The sculpture's head is detachable with a secret hiding inside the body.
SCHWARZGELDKONTO MIT FLIEGE
(BLACK MONEY WITH BOWTIE)
(2012) mixed media, (app. 12“x5“x5“).
MF Gallery, NYC 2012.
As the very first of my hand sculpted mixed media furry species, I named this guy after its useful secret hiding spot under his fur.
All of my larger sculpture’s heads and bodies work like a bottle. The head is detachable and the entire sculpture not only a piece of artwork, but also a secret hiding for treasures.
Tokyo / Japan: 02 - 16 August 2019
Art.Mann - ケトの望み (Keto's Hope)
(デザインフェスタギャラリー Design Festa Gallery)
2019
Millerntor Gallery #9 Hamburg (DE), Water is a Human Right
2018
The Waterhouse Gallery Maastricht (NL), Group Show
2017
Design Festa Gallery Tokyo (JP), (solo) "Art.Mann - 味方.Verbündete"
TART Gallery Zürich (CH), Kunstsalon_Volume One, Group Show
Millerntor Gallery #7 Hamburg (DE) - ZENtopia life-size installation by Art.Mann & Björn Poppinga
2016
Millerntor Gallery #6 Hamburg (DE) - Art.Mann - Tree of Love
St. Pauli Kreativnacht Hamburg (DE) - Art.Mann - Les Tres Yer Su
Neusicht Festival Luzern (CH) - Les Tres Yer Su (Coop. with Rips1) & 天国も地獄も人の心の中にある
2015
Millerntor Gallery #5 Hamburg (DE) - Sebastian Mark - 天国も地獄も人の心の中にある
St. Pauli Kreativnacht Hamburg (DE) - Drei Mal auf Holz
2014
Millerntor Gallery #4 Hamburg (DE) - Sebastian Mark - Resistance
St. Pauli Kreativnacht Hamburg (DE) - Bugaboo’s Nightmare
2012
MF Gallery New York City (U.S.), The MF Toy Show
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