Patrick Ostrowsky at Galerie Britta Rettberg

Britta Rettberg is pleased to present a series of new works for Patrick Ostrowsky’s second comprehensive solo exhibition. The first series called “reliefs”, are smaller sized paintings made of re-used wooden floor panels over which numerous layers of materials collide, such as epoxy, cement or pigment. These materials are poured over the small box-framed support structure which in turn create a semi-translucent abstract painting/sculpture. The second group of works, also wall-based, are called “almsboxes” which feel and look more like small cabinets, mailboxes or other closable containers. Some of them let one peak inside, some of them have perforated metal sheets covering up the surface, while others yet are sealed with a plexiglass, holding an amalgam of objects and debris enclosed. The third series of works consists of a family of six, larger-than-life floor-based sculptures entitled „Structures of Existence“.

Skeleton metal outlines in the form of cell/boxes assume an air of a virtual shrine. They can also be read as some sort of time travel apparatus, where a normal sized human can step into. More than that though, they are each unique in what they hold within their frames. Some have wooden or acrylic paneling integrated, others have ceramic objects sitting atop shelves, then again others have light fixtures integrated, while another set of the cells integrate ready-mades such as basketball hoop or candles, an iPhone or some coins. The eye cannot help to skip from house-hold items, everyday object to more abstract elements, like washes of paint, inscriptions, painterly surfaces or ceramic figurines that act as candleholders.