ENTFALTUNG I 2023
We grow, we flourish, we go through phases. We are continuously transforming. And so does the world around us. A flower sprouts, grows, blooms and spreads its seeds again — until its life circle repeats itself in this way.
DESCRIPTION
Both the appearance and the dimensions chosen enable several elements in the artwork to be recognized at the same time. While the different layers themselves remind the viewer of the leaves of a flower, the entirety of the composition resembles the appearance of rocks. This is achieved through the choice of color, form and material. Felt laces and embroidery imitate the stems of plants.
Each of these components - the flower, the plant stems and the rock - originate from nature and grow continuously. Furthermore, these elements are not only related in this way, the art work also links them in their very source: The Mother Earth. It is represented in the art work in form of a female vulva. The skin-like structure of the felt emphasizes its appearance. Mother Earth is seen as a personification of our nature. It is embodied in the form of the mother because it is considered life-giving and nourishing for its inhabitants. For this reason, it is closely linked to birth, growth and the eternal cycle of life.
The final art work is a handmade piece that measures approximately ninety cm by twenty cm. The piece consists of three ruffled layers of hand-crafted felt and therefore appears three-dimensional. The colors were kept in several shades of grey which form a color gradient from light to dark. Details in form of embroidery and felt laces are colored in tones of green.
TITLE
Also the choice of the title of the artwork is inspired by these central elements. The title is the German word „Entfaltung“. The direct translation of the word in the English language is „unfolding“. First, the title refers to the use of different layers of felt, which in the art work actually seem to unfold. In addition, the word „Entfaltung“ can also be associated with growth and development. To name two concrete examples: It recalls the unfolding or opening of the petals of a flower or also the growth of plant stems. Furthermore, the word „unfolding“ also carries the meaning „to develop“ or „to show oneself“. The word unfolding does therefore not have to be limited to the physical development of living beings, but can also be applied to the mental development and unfolding of people.
