Jäger & Sammler

Hunters & Gatherers @ 30works

Hunting and gathering is an archaic principle rooted in pure survival, representing the first economic form of human existence. The exhibition "Hunters & Gatherers" questions the relevance of this cultural and historical achievement in today's world. It features two artists, Benjamin Burkard and Dirk Schmitt, who approach the theme in different ways but share essential reflections on it.

Benjamin Burkard draws on traditional hunting motifs. He integrates hunters into his characteristic surrealistic imagery, merging their physical forms with leaves and wood, enveloping them in vibrant splashes of color, and thus connecting them to contemporary art. He chooses copper as his paint, introducing an ancient element that creates a dual play around value, tradition, and history.

Cologne-based artist Dirk Schmitt focuses on the aspect of collecting in his new series of works. Through his realistic painting, he imbues wooden dolls, rubber animals, and toys with personality, transforming "inanimate matter" into animated objects that feel more like portraits than still lifes. Their transfer onto the canvas, their creation through brush and oil paint, becomes a duplication that places the originals in a sort of parallel universe.

Hunters & Gatherers @ 30works

Artist Talk: Dirk Schmitt on Friday, October 2 at 7 PM (limited capacity, registration required)
Artist Talk: Benjamin Burkard on Saturday, October 3 at 7 PM (limited capacity, registration required)
Both artist talks will be moderated by the charming cultural journalist Yorca Schmidt-Junker.

Opening Receptions: Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, from 8 PM to 10 PM. The artists will be present on both dates. (No registration needed for the openings.)

Exhibition: 02.10.2020 - 24.10.2020
Wed-Sat 12-6 PM, and by appointment.

30works Galerie Pfeilstraße 47
50672 Cologne Phone 0221/33779999 hello@30works.de www.30works.de