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BERND RIBBECK
March 2nd to April 14th 2012
Exhibition opening: March 1st, 6-8 pm
Galerie Peter Kilchmann is pleased to present the third exhibition of Bernd Ribbeck. The artist was
born in Cologne in 1974 and lives and works in Berlin. Ribbeck studied at the Hochschule der
K¨¹nste in Berlin, the Akademie der bildenden K¨¹nste, Munich, and the Kunstakademie D¨¹sseldorf
under Helmut Federle from 1995 to 2003.
In the past, Bernd Ribbeck has created complex geometric paintings.
Now for the first time the artist
presents a series of several smaller and some larger paintings on MDF boards, with which he
followed the idea of symmetry even more consequently than ever. Ribbeck used the number zero
as his measuring unit to construct his images. The smaller canvases (each 37 x 30 cm), grouped in
a block, show freestanding circles painted with acrylic and pigment marker on upright backgrounds
(see invitation card). In the case of the larger paintings the circle fills out the quadratic format
entirely (each 70 x 70 cm). Bernd Ribbeck finds the circle interesting because it is first and foremost
a simple geometric figure, but it can also be understood as a symbol and a form filled with content.
When trying to understand the figure of the circle, one quickly realizes how complex its nature is.
In mathematics, a circle is defined as the sum of all points on a plane with the same distance from a
given center. Following this description, a circle is a curve and not a plane. Circles are similar to
each other in nature. Since circumference and diameter are fixed, their quotient is described as the
mathematical constant ¦Ð. The number ¦Ð (or Pi) is also called a transcendental number. In different
spiritual doctrines the circle signifies eternity and completeness. In dream interpretation it is a
symbol for ʻconcentrated mental energyʼ. According to Persian lore, oneʼs biggest dreams will come
true if one encounters a circle. However, this does not apply to crop circles. For a long time English
farmers were sure that the circles in their cornfields were ʻvicious circlesʼ, drawn by the devil.
The history of the circle can be traced ever further. Bernd Ribbeck, however, is not necessarily
interested in the shape itself. He is primarily attracted to the simultaneity between a concrete form
and an icon. The concentration on this one motif and its repeated examination in painting enables
the artist to stay process-oriented in his work. Each completed painting acts as an answer, while
simultaneously raising new questions, calling for more investigations. The promise of cognition and
a utopian moment resonate in the paintings.
Bernd Ribbeck has been involved in numerous international exhibitions. Among others he
participated in the group exhibitions ¡°Cosmos Rudolf Steiner¡± in the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart (with
catalog) and ¡°oder so: Malerei, konkret, abstrakt¡° in the Overbeck-Gesellschaft in Luebeck in 2011.
A catalog was published on behalf of the exhibition ¡°Ich und Du¡± in the Oldenburger Kunstverein in
2010 and can be obtained through the gallery. In June 2012 Bernd Ribbeck will participate in the
exhibition ¡°Made in Germany ¨C Two. International Art in Germany¡± in the Kestnergesellschaft in
Hannover.
The artist will be present for the opening.
For further information and press pictures please contact Claudia Friedli
(Telephone +41 44 278 10 12 or c.friedli@peterkilchmann.com)
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