Elsbeth Böniger is a passionate collector and collects a wide variety of materials from which she draws her inspiration – and ultimately composes the works. Chemical-physical gimmicks generate structures, react and act under their magic wands, the countless brushes, spatulas, chopsticks and knives.

The surfaces in particular play a central role in Böniger’s work. How does the viscosity of paint, oil or asphalt behave? What forms result when the reflecting beauty of a surface cracks and breaks?

The works always amaze. The surroundings are fascinated by reflecting mirror surfaces or the indefinable consistency of multiple applied layers. The works oscillate between absolute, planned perfection and the accidental results of extensive research. All works have a strong haptic component in common. You want to touch, touch. The structures impose themselves through the chosen material, such as nets, bumps, paint, rubber or concrete, and are woven into a totality of format and technology. The artist is a tinkerer, builds imaginary and real spaces and, as an architect, assembles fragments into overall artistic constructs.

Like an alchemist, she mixes lacquers and paints or creates new, mysterious surfaces. Pigment mixtures on paint carriers become war paints, homage to incomprehensible feelings, barometers for moods and whims. The “autonomous” works in different formats are often put together in an installation; random at first glance – on closer inspection completely composed.

We are pleased to be able to present the two new artist editions at the same time as the latest works by Elsbeth Böniger:

Elsbeth Böniger / Observatorium II

Christian Indermühle / Den Horizont in Lichtpunkte auflösen II