luxplus | Axel Anklam & Jay Shinn

“More light“, were not only the famous last words of the famous poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The title of this exhibition, Luxplus, also holds the same promise of “more light”. This quote is often understood in a metaphysical sense, which becomes self-evident when one looks at the works of art in this exhibition. Both artists use light as an important element in their creative process: it is also a means of emphasising certain aspects of these said works. Yet their choices of materials and approaches couldn't be more different.

Axel Anklam's sculptures are an expression of the energy involved in distorting material. The surfaces of these sculptures have been cut into, or bulge or are deformed in some other manner, as if they had been subjected to intense heat or physical violence, resulting in three-dimensional structures. The remaining, basic form, either a rectangle or a ring, can be reconstructed; nonetheless, the resulting shapes reflect the dynamic nature of the process of their creation, which is also part and parcel of the its entirety. Time is an important element in beholding each work of art itself.
The materials used, (steel, latex or, alternatively, epoxy resin) stand for diverse measures of durability and elasticity. Another important element in the forms of these works is translucency. The effect the art has depends on the light hitting its reflective surface which then, depending on conditions, cast shadows, sometimes coloured ones. The way in which these works manifest themselves in the third dimension is also remarkable: it seems like these forms could be infinitely re-shaped, hinting at the infinite, inherent energy of the material.

Jay Shinn makes full use of the innate potential of working in three dimensions, inspiring wonder in the beholder. He presents luminescent objects with projected light that is clearly in-focus, making coloured surfaces appear, highlighting the shapeliness of the illuminated form that results, and creating imaginary spaces with textured surfaces, evoking tromp l'oeil. Floating, mathematically constructed, whether following the symmetry of a line or as a mirror image or even simply covering a surface, he realises wall works that, with the addition of another source of light, appear remarkably three-dimensional. Initially, viewers are not aware of where the light comes from and the works of art appear luminous onto themselves. The works are reminiscent of holograms as they appear to float in space, while also, simultaneously, embodying a startling sense of three-dimensionality.

Harmony, the appeal of colour and the potential of shaping space, or merely suggesting this, are characteristics common to both Axel Anklam and Jay Shinn's work. Although both artists work are very different in their approach, they complement each other remarbly well in this show. Both depend on light to achieve the desired effect. This led to the artists' choice of a title, reflecting their dependance on illumination: both perceive this as a 'plus', a bonus that promises to provide both a unique atmosphere as well as meaning: Luxplus!