Mark Wallinger - I.D: An Ode to the Infinite Possibilities of Interpretation
Mark Wallinger's new show at Hauser and Wirth displays a dynamic series of massive canvases all aligned in one room. The black and white shadows are dancing on the walls, imposing their presence, pretending to “just” be paintings. As we slowly move from one piece to the other, an avalanche of questions comes to mind followed by the undeniable feeling that these paintings are about the intrinsic representation of ourselves.
At first the sequence appears redundant and chaotic, which brings us closer to each painting, to try to get away from the blurry vision each triggers. Both sides of the canvas appear symmetrical yet there are no signs of digital application. The texture of the paint and the fluidity of the gesture are the manifestation of a natural process, the one of an artist simply applying paint on a canvas. The symmetry has been reproduced intentionally by Wallinger who navigated with his body from the bottom to the top with his arms and his hands on the canvas. The exactitude of the bilateral symmetrical details are astonishing and bewildering. The artist, by bluffing the representation of the symmetry, entices us to explore and redefine our first vision of the artwork. He continues to play with this process as we stand back and admire the pieces in their entirety.
Many interpretations suddenly appear in front of us. The pattern within each canvas is reminiscent of Rorschach's inkblot test: splatters of black ink spread on a half folded white page which lead to a multitude of meanings. The smudges of black paint are associated and form our perception of the image. It’s a complex projection of our personality. In other words, Wallinger has depicted our self-portraits and has invited us to face ourselves .
One of the paintings named “Painting25” is the darkest of them all. It is the only painting which is covered with that much black paint. Aggressive figures and abstract formations invade the blank space. Powerful creatures emerge from obscurity. An eagle is bursting out from burning flames above a menacing monster with his jaw wide open and his malicious scary eyes.
What appears to one as an unsettling shape may appear to another as a reassuring figure. Like the miscalculated movements of an artist, the paintings let the viewer’s imagination run free. There are no limits to the interpretation of Wallinger’s paintings. They can be read subjectively by anyone who enters the room. We end up being tricked by the artist’s intentions and desires. From the thought of the art piece being created unconsciously, in total freedom, we are blown away by the situation’s turnaround. We end up being the centre of attention. The paintings are intentionally controlled and subtly created to generate inner introspection and contemplation.
Mark Wallinger’s ID series will be exhibited at the Hauser and Wirth gallery in London until May 7th 2016 http://www.hauserwirth.com/
Tamara Akcay
