Tomma Abts

Tomma Abts, Lubbe, 2005. Acrylic and Oil on Canvas. 48 x 38 cm

I am interested in Abt's process through the contingency of materiality.

Here is a quote that helps my process of making works from an essay titled ‘Is anyone there,’ by Adrian Searle. Searle discusses Abt’s work as a constant flux and reflux of certainty and doubt. ‘Whenever you think the painting is giving you something concrete, it takes it back, reverses itself, turns itself inside out’

The unfolding desire to know more is evident in Tomma Abt’s work Lübbe, (2005). As shapes appear to fold and unfold on the surface of the canvas. Through the many layers that are applied, the painting seems as though it is crystalized, but when caught in the light unknown forms are illuminated. The texture and edge of these forms are only an insight to the past, only to send a hint to the viewer of something created by trial and error. The work deceives the eye, as line and shape don’t appear to want to connect. The painting becomes somewhat like a performance when the viewer begins to question, ‘is that an edge? No, it's a line. That's a space? No it's a thing.’ These outlines create depth between the foreground and background, which generate limitless possibilities through subtle transformations. The work enables the viewer to know more, it is through the materiality of the paint that gives a sense of disorientation and change.