Sandi Červek

3 July - 10 August 2008
Mala galerija, Slovenska cesta 35, Ljubljana

Sandi Červek made his debut on the art scene in the second half of the 1980s, as a member of a generation that turned directly to abstract art and the tradition of modernism. His very material canvases were reminiscent of the procedures and forms of Art Informel, although their optical effects prevailed over their material presence. This tendency gradually evolved into black canvases, in which the painting emerges in the incessantly changing reflections of light on a glossy relief surface.

This exhibition continues to explore the laws of abstract painting through the total reduction of color. Červek reduced the traditional tools of painting to the most elementary option: the black surface. But an observant viewer will notice that this surface is not uniform. The painting emerges in the reflections of light on the rhythmically and precisely applied layers of color. Consequently, the painting is always receptive and mobile, although dependent on the angle and brightness of light and the position of the viewer. Light therefore complements the painted matter and transforms it into a living and dynamic organism. Instead of the simple black geometric shape, the viewer sees an infinite wealth of ever changing light patterns and shapes.

Sandi Červek was born on 19 July 1960 in Murska Sobota. He studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Ljubljana, graduating in 1985 under Prof. Gustav Gnamuš. In 1998 he went to New York on a grant from the Ministry of Culture and the Soros Open Society Institute. He works in painting, drawing, printmaking, illustration, and design.

The exhibition curator is Igor Španjol.

The project was realized with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10.00 - 18.00. Free admission.