Art
Art International Zurich 2020: Jozek Nowak, Priska Medam & Jean-Philippe Rigotti
Jozek Nowak – An island of brutal sincerity in a world of vanity fair
Down to earth, harsh, minimalistic and irritating, these are the very first words that come to my mind as he starts speaking. We usually seek in art the reflection of an artist’s inner world, however in Jozek Nowak’s case the human being is a most genuine reflection of the artistic creed. With his wide crystal clear blue eyes and messy blonde hair, he seems to be a direct descendent from one of his wooden sculptures. He is sulky and irritatingly straightforward.
Jozek Nowak – credit Orsolya Farkas Miron
Void of any unnecessary details, his directness and sincerity is shocking and almost brutal in a world of pretence and superficial diplomacy. I ask him about experimenting and play, but he denies all of these. They are for those who are at the beginning of their path. His aim is crystal clear and mature.
I ask him about the process of the work of art, the metamorphoses that it undergoes. This man is not tempted by tricks, delusions or trivial details. He is faithful to the most secret moment of creation. He struggles to preserve as much as possible, the moment of genesis, the mystical bond between this world and the world of pure creation, the very first flame that ignited the piece he is about to unveil to the world. He worked with various types of wood until he reached the finite material for his topos. The poplar is associated with death, resurrection and freedom as well.
Jozek Nowak – credit Orsolya Farkas Miron
His tools are only a chain saw and an axe, reminding us of our predecessors’ ancient struggle with nature. His battle of taming the wild forces culminates in a most genuine recreation of the world. His sculptures reflect a fascination with the human being.
Priska Medam – A most colourful, irresistible collage on glass
An eclectic, colourful world seduces the viewer on the spot. Priska Medam resorts to art as a purifying force, a pilgrimage along which the artist is seeking for harmony between energies, between rationality and intuitive approach.
Artist Priska Medam – credit photo Farkas Miron
Her layered artworks are effect paintings, blended with digital tools and photography. In her world beauty and harmony are of central importance. A time-consuming, detailed endeavour that results in a most satisfying blend of colours, harmonies, effects, nuances, a therapeutic process that spoils the receptor.
Artist Priska Medam – credit photos Krisztina Lowack
Jean-Philippe Rigotti – The mystical gold engraver
A descendant of stone sculptors, Jean Philippe Rigotti took his grandfather’s project to a different level. After twelve years of research, extensive experimenting with lots of different techniques, the alchemist of gold came up with a unique engraving technique on a 24 k Gold Leaf. An outstanding mixture of refined taste and elegance, a match made in heaven.
Artist Jean-Philippe Rigotti – credit photo Krisztina Lowack
Artist Jean-Philippe Rigotti – credit photo Krisztina Lowack
Artist Jean-Philippe Rigotti – credit photo Orsolya Farkas Miron
Artist Jean-Philippe Rigotti – credit photo Orsolya Farkas Miron
