Move: From 0D To 2D To 3D

Tobias Rehberger. Home and Away and Outside. Exhibition view. © Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, 2014 Photo: Norbert Miguletz

‘I never think in 2D,’ states Tobias Rehberger, who is one of the most influential German artists of his generation creating objects, sculptures and environments, which spans across a range of subject, media and context. ‘As a sculptor, all my art is always about 3D. The process always starts in my head, which you may call 0D. Then I do scribbles in 2D which sometimes are translated directly to 3D objects. For more complicated projects I have 3D renderings created during the design process in order to fully visualise the final object that I have in mind before it is built.’

Tobias Rehberger. Home and Away and Outside. Exhibition view. © Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, 2014 Photo: Norbert Miguletz

Refused to be categorised, the 47 year old German is inspired by an optical technique originally used during World War I. He translates, alters and expands on ordinary objects and situations. One method is the juxtaposition of flawed sculptures. Through his work, the viewers not only see the striking prints move, but also question their understanding and interpretation of art, in particular its aesthetic perfection, functionality and production. ‘My work is not about the optical effect’, says Tobias, ‘but about the relationship between the viewer and the artwork. So the optical illusion is just a tool that I use to get my point across.’

Funded by the Kulturstiftung des Bundes, Tobias’ work can now be seen at the ‘Home and Away and Outside’ exhibition at Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt till 11 May 2014.