Gaby Kutz - Reminiszenzen

At the center of the double exhibition at Galerie Szalc in Bonn and Denkraum Siegburg are snapshots and portraits by Gaby Kutz.

Born in 1962 in Nettesheim near Neuss, the artist completed her art studies at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf in 1994 as a master student under Michael Buthe.

Under the title "Reminiscences," Gaby Kutz revisits the theme of collective memory. The deliberate blurriness of her earlier works often gives way to a more precise characterization of the individuals depicted.

Large-format black-and-white portraits of famous personalities, painted in oil, are based on well-known press photographs from the 1970s—images that have entered history and which Gaby Kutz brings closer to us again in the oil painting "Wischnewski thanks Wegener." The watercolor "Historical Demonstration Parade" collages together peace and freedom fighters, as well as advocates for democracy from various centuries.

Alongside the socio-political themes and their figures, Gaby Kutz juxtaposes moments of significant life events of private individuals: confirmation groups, holiday outings, forest walks. The oil painting "Distant Views" from 2014 depicts three individuals intently looking forward—what they are looking at remains a mystery to the viewer.

Another recurring theme for Gaby Kutz is hunting. Hunters, painted in oil and watercolor, pose standing or kneeling in front of their game.

These scenes were photographed by the artist herself after a hunt.

Gaby Kutz brings the events of the moment to the forefront, yet the perspective is directed towards the general, the clichéd.

Partly serious, partly with a smile, the artist reflects society in her paintings, approaching it closely. Additionally, she presents the world through her subjective perception, highlighting specific events in German history.