Elias Wessel: Aesthetics of Conflict

Elias Wessel creates abstract paintings by combining photographs and digital material, challenging the traditional definition of a painting. He uses smartphone displays to produce monumental compositions and documents his scrolling behavior on social media platforms. His works explore the close relationship between the digital world and the canvas, questioning the social consequences and instruments of digitalization.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 11 September 2023
Publisher: DruckVerlag Kettler

In a world of rapidly evolving technologies, where a multitude of methods exist for creating images, Elias Wessel takes a bold step by challenging the traditional notion of what constitutes a painting. Instead of relying on conventional painting techniques and adhering to classical genres, Wessel employs a unique approach to his art. His abstract paintings, while visually reminiscent of painterly practices, are actually composed of photographs and digital material.

One of Wessel's captivating techniques involves capturing images of smartphone displays, extracting the fingerprints left behind, and transforming them into monumental abstract compositions. By employing long-time exposure, he superimposes these fingerprints onto the screens, creating visually striking and decontextualized structures. This innovative approach allows Wessel to explore the interplay between technology and human interaction in a visually captivating way.

In addition to his smartphone-based works, Wessel also documents his scrolling behavior on social media platforms. By using long-time exposure, he overlays accessed profiles and their contents onto the screen, creating a visually fragmented and abstract representation of online interactions. This exploration of the digital realm offers a unique perspective on the relationship between individuals and their online presence.

What sets Wessel's working method apart is his ability to seamlessly integrate the fundamental discourses in the history of photography with the latest technology and ongoing social debates. By carefully observing and questioning the social implications and tools of digitalization, Wessel skillfully explores the complex relationship between technology and society. His art serves as a powerful commentary on the ever-evolving digital landscape, raising important questions about the impact of technology on our lives and the ways in which we engage with it.

Through his innovative approach and thought-provoking artwork, Elias Wessel challenges the boundaries of traditional art forms and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of visual expression. His work invites us to reevaluate our relationship with technology and to consider the ethical and societal implications of our digital interactions. As we navigate the rapidly changing world of technology, Wessel's art serves as a reminder of the importance of observation, reflection, and a critical approach to the digital realm.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783987410444