Behind latticework motifs reminiscent of a wrought-iron fence, otherworldly flowers are in full bloom, their heads wide and tall, while vines and leaf vines wind around the open barriers. Rendered in contrasting palettes of jewel tones and pale, muted hues, these eerie plants are part of the latest body of work from Mevlana Lipp.
During a visit to Venice earlier this year, the Cologne artist admired the elaborately patterned fencing that weaves its way through the historic islands. “As I wandered around the city, I noticed the intricate metal bars on many windows,” he says. “To me, these bars symbolize a barrier between the world I live in and the fictional place I long for.”
Prospect is the culmination of this inspiration and presents an exciting botanical collection. For these pieces, Lipp continues to fuse painting and sculpture, applying acrylic paint, ink and sand to intricately carved wooden panels, which he places on velvet. This soft material interacts with the mottled, mottled and patterned textures of the painted components and enhances the sense of depth, creating a vast chasm behind the fantastic flowers.
Compared to his previous works, however, Prospect ventures into warmer, brighter color palettes. The artist shares:
Although the dark blue, green and lilac backgrounds often create a feeling of infinite voids, I also wanted to explore other images. Think of an icy fog or a red desert that stretches endlessly into the distance. I wanted to make works with a wider range of temperatures.
Lipp’s interest in expanding his palette ties in with the symbolic elements of his work. According to the artist, plants are metaphors for basic instincts and emotions, because they communicate with each other and with different species without the same social and cultural pressures as humans. Broadening his formal approach offers more room for spontaneity and uninhibited exchange. “When you walk into the forest, you look at all the existing connections, at how things interact without fear,” he says. “Plants are not at risk of hurting each other’s feelings.”
Prospect can be seen until December 15 at Capsule Venice. Find more from Lipp at Instagram.
