Between Motion and Stillness: Robert Janitz’s Sign of the Times
This spring, the Sevil Dolmacı Gallery in Dubai becomes a pivotal space for artistic discovery with “Sign of the Times,” a solo exhibition by the acclaimed German artist Robert Janitz. From February 27 to April 30, 2024, the gallery will display Janitz’s latest works, born from his creative periods in Mexico and the Sevil Dolmacı Residency in Istanbul. This exhibition marks a confluence of Eastern and Western cultures through Janitz’s immersive abstract art.
“Sign of the Times,” drawing inspiration from the iconic Prince song, showcases Janitz’s canvas as arenas where the East meets the West in a silent yet profound dialogue. His unique blend of flour, oil, and wax on linen canvases captures the fleeting moments at the cusp of motion and stillness, crafting visuals that straddle the tangible and the ethereal.
Central to Janitz’s work is an exploration of semiotics—the study of signs and symbols as elements of communicative behavior. Through his paintings, Janitz embarks on a narrative journey, exploring the fluidity of existence with his signature “written” paint strokes. His art, characterized by deliberate diagonal lines, exists in a state of delicate tension, inviting viewers to contemplate the intersections of creation and perception.
Each artwork in “Sign of the Times” acts as a gateway to Janitz’s introspections on memory, experience, and the unnoticed beauty in the ordinary. The exhibition underscores the act of painting as a primary mode of expression, celebrating the raw simplicity of his chosen mediums to weave complex narratives. The tactile quality of his work and the rawness of canvas edges pull the audience into a space of unadorned, yet deep expressiveness, where each element unveils emotional and intellectual layers.
The exhibit offers an engaging journey that blends personal reflections with broader themes, influenced by the diverse spectrum of art history and the enchanting simplicity of daily life.
“Sign of the Times” at the Sevil Dolmacı Gallery invites attendees into Janitz’s visionary world, one that commemorates the boundless potential of paint and canvas to foster a dialogue that traverses viewer and subject, dynamism and serenity, and the ephemeral essence of our being. This exhibition not only represents a crucial phase in Janitz’s artistic journey but also reaffirms art’s capacity to link diverse cultures and viewpoints, challenging us to see unity in life’s inherent contrasts.
Sevil Dolmacı Gallery
Building 11-R04, Dubai Design District
