Mater, Deraedt & Fliervoet TEXT

Mater, Deraedt & Fliervoet

Three artists on show, separate and together at the same time, photography being the binding medium. However, none of them just makes photos. Their work explores the basic principles of photography, mainly to turn our way of looking into a conscious, intellectually challenging act.

Katja Mater (°1979) presents Folded Variations (2013), for which she has been taking pictures – at different moments in time – of an object that has gradually been painted black. The result, a photographic print, will be printed in five copies, each folded in a different formation. Spatial object becomes flat surface becomes spatial object: a multiple game with dimensions and an emphasis of probably the most medium specific characteristic of photography, its ability of reproduction.

In the work of Sara Deraedt (°1984) the status of the image is decisive. To investigate this status she seemingly makes use of the advertising image, such as in her photo series of vacuum cleaners. She can present an advertising brochure as such or makes photos that refer to the aesthetics of the publicity image. With this material she compiles unique brochures, from which images – as a folder – are hung separately or in small series to an exhibition wall.

Maartje Fliervoet (°1973) creates a site-specific work. Two big Lambda prints, mounted to the wall along the staircase, will lead the visitor to the first and second floor. They are designs for stair runners that will never be produced. Fliervoet cut interior parts such as banisters, bars, plaster ornaments, but also “negative forms”, like the space between two bars, from photos of the stairwell. Subsequently the artist arranged the clippings face down on a sheet of paper. She then took photos of this model under different lighting conditions, manipulated them and had them printed in more or less the length of the stairs.

The photos of Katja Mater, Sara Deraedt and Maartje Fliervoet subtly pick up on the direct surroundings and do so through a medium specific research. In their work photography itself is investigated, its mechanisms revealed. New images are composed and invite the viewers to observe their surroundings and its photographic representation in a different, more conscious way.

Fragments of a text by Liesbeth Decan.

Mater, Deraedt & Fliervoet
Opening Saturday February 23 2013 15:00 – 20:00 h.

February 23 – June 15 2013
Opening hours: every Saturday from 14:00 – 18:00 h.