The depiction of things -- and their secrets, too -- has a long visual historical tradition, such as the opulent floral still lifes of Dutch painters, but also the artistic avant-garde of the 20th century or the Neue Sachlichkeit. The 'painted pieces' by fifty artists present materiality as the greatest common denominator. The images show tangible things, found objects, and everyday utensils, but also surreal forms and abstract objects, painted 'tangibly'. From the classic still life to a random conglomeration of objects, from the cuboid to the smudge: the objects depicted are transformed into painting, and open up a range of pictures celebrating painting in small to very small format: none of the paintings on display are bigger than 50 x 40 cm. The question concerning the 'secret of things' not only directs the gaze to what is necessarily hidden, but also to what is evident: what do we see in things, what allusions, clarifications, and new insights arise in relation to reality? However, some things remain a secret, unexplained and enigmatic. The invitation of this exhibition and this catalog is to trace this, to find the magic in things, as well as the open-mindedness to tolerate the enigmatic. -- Description by Beck & Eggeling International Fine Art
