Hans Lankes

Perception is the overarching term. What do we see? How do we see? What can we see? What do we want to see? The fragility and instability of the reality around us determine how we think, feel, see, and live.

In my work, I approach from the position of the “seeker.” I develop images and/or forms that are not necessarily determined by logical criteria but are based on subjective associations, encouraging the viewer to have visual experiences and personal connections. Imperfection and the unexpected condense into a visual language that constantly expands and uses experiences and perspectives on the world as essential elements. I don’t say “I know!”, but “I want to know!”.

My work often revolves around what I don’t know. I don’t make claims. I want to open spaces and show new perspectives. This is an artistic concept and a way of life. There is always a "before", a "in-between" and a "behind". I am interested in light and shadow, the glow on the wall, the effect in space or outdoors. I create knife cuts as individual works or for site-specific installations. I make sculptures. The knife cut is ideal for me because of its sharp edge - because of the decisiveness. No fuss. No circus. It’s about concentration, condensation, transformation, and concept, and about making clear decisions and standing by them. Like in life. What is cut away is gone. No tricks. Those who can stand by their decisions feel free.

Why have I participated in residencies, e.g., in Clermont-Ferrand, Budapest, Sète/Montpellier, Bremerhaven, Ebernburg etc.? Why do I go through the effort of travelling with minimal luggage, mostly by train or bus, giving up my studio, my home, family/friends for weeks or months and go to places and people I don’t know? Is it worth it? It’s about the challenge, the adventure - it's a trip into the wild. It’s about fulfilling the tasks I usually set for myself on-site: developing specific work groups, exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, open studio shows… It’s about doing good work everywhere. Residencies are not vacations; they are work stays. I don’t have time to waste; I have work to do.

Works by Hans Lankes are part of museums as well as public and private collections in Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Monaco, the Netherlands, Japan and the USA.

www.instagram.com/hanslankes
www.artitious.com/artist/hans-lankes

(Foto © Michael Spaan)