Murky figures, faded patterns, and ambiguous shapes coalesce and pulse in this work by German painter Michael Bauer. Historical comparisons to Surrealism are undeniable, though Bauer’s work possesses a self-reflective, ambiguous quality that is uniquely contemporary. A geometric border flattens the picture plane, contradicting the dense soupy space of the central composition, making an already-fascinating work even more complex. Bauer has had several museum shows in Europe, including Villa Merkel in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany; Anthem, Kunsthaus Baselland, Basel; Stadtische Galerie, Delmenhorst; and Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn. Other exhibitions include Peter Kilchmann, Zurich; Norma Magione Gallery, Turin; Linn Luhn, Cologne; Marquis Dance Hall, Istanbul; and HOTEL, London.
Michael Bauer
MAARG VS BOB (M,D)
2010
oil on canvas
23 5/8 x 19 5/8 inches