ROBERT ELFGEN
MON *BERLIN EDITION 2019
Precise everyday observations and autobiographical experiences are the starting points for Robert Elfgen’s work.
Robert Elfgen (born 1972, Wesseling, Germany) lives and works in Cologne and Berlin. He studied with John Armleder, Akademie der Künste Braunschweig, and as a master pupil with Rosemarie Trockel, Kunstakademie Düsseldorf.
Elfgen´s works represent an unique oeuvre in which the artist combines complex craft techniques such as glass engraving, inlays, etching on metal and brass with “found objects” from nature and the personal environment in atmospherically charged bricolages.
THE MIRROR ON THE WALL
Robert Elfgen´s wall works exhibited in Museum of Now depict faceless men, in dark suits with long ties. The tie is a recurring motif in Elfgen’s work. In the work "you must be ringing" from 2013, a tie behind a curtain is alluded too and in "Was Da ist" from 2011, Elfgen uses a mirror which in addition to the pictorial motif, also depicts the viewer’s direct reflection in time and space. Robert Elfgen examines not only the “before and behind” of the reflections in a physical and contextual manor, but also the “inside and outside”. His works illustrate associations with places and their societies, looking behind the curtain and further than what crosses ones own sight.
In the Museum of Now, the mirror is held up to society.
IMMER WO BIN ICH NIE
Robert Elfgen
2010
Wood, fabric, paint, glass
Museum of Now *Berlin Edition
Courtesy of the artist and Sprüth Magers
Photo by urbanpresents
VITRINE
Robert Elfgen
2012
MDF, glass, acrylic, fabric, lamp
170 x 146 cm
Museum of Now *Berlin Edition
Courtesy of the artist and Sprüth Magers
Photo by Danilo Pasquali
