Florian Neufeldt: Cuts Both Ways

Within a few years, Florian Neufeldt has gained a position as one of the most interesting young German artists and has made a mark through a series of solo and group exhibitions. His work turns on themes such as control,aggression and danger, but also on the basic definition and creative demarcation of architectual space.

The exhibition «Cuts Both Ways» is the artist`s second exhibition at Galleri Opdahl, his first in our Stavanger space. In 2009, Galerie Opdahl Berlin presented the exhibition «I and it, it and I» where the artist transformed the gallery into an uncanny space, which challenged the senses of the viewer. The continuous rattling of a machine, the sporadic falling of sawdust through the air, a video projection at the other end of the room – eyes and ears needed to be on alert to capture the diverse elements that inhabited the room. Placed in the uncommonly dimensioned space, they evoked feelings of constrain, but also of affright within the viewer. Neufeldt is interested in exactly these moments of unpredictability and uneasiness that counteract the expectations of the audience.

In the exhibition «Cuts Both Ways» at Galleri Opdahl Stavanger, the artist is showing a large scale installation together with smaller wall and floor objects. In every city you will find urban development which alters and redefines our living spaces and the economic and social environments of communities. The installation «Cuts Both Ways» is made out of raw cutout walls from a house situated in Stavanger, which is to be demolished to make room for new buildings. The original function of the building parts are destroyed and deconstructed, but at the same time, transformed through their reorganization, gaining a sculptural character. Through the gathered wall sections, a rotating ring of guardrail spins with high speed and aggressiveness, all though caught in its own movement.

The smaller floor and wall objects are made out of dismantled furniture parts. The sculptures can be interpreted as models for the large installation, but clearly possesses an identity of their own. Taking up some of the energy from the spinning guardrail in the large installation, a circular light tube cuts through the objects.

Born in 1976, Neufeldt studied Fine Arts in Düsseldorf under Tony Cragg as well as sociology, philosophy and history. The artist lives and works in Berlin.

Florian Neufeldt
Cuts Both Ways