biennale lichtkunst lightart sculpture lightguardians

These Timeguards are the first in a series of works based upon the theme of the 'time guardian.' Kielnhofer has gone on to produce these pieces in bright and cheerful colours contradictory to their sombre forms, an unexpected juxtaposition. The series on display at the Cass Sculpture Foundation is part of his original treatment of this imagery, in forms and colours meant to evoke a mystical feeling.
These forms are meant to resemble ancient creatures from another realm, who, in ancient civilisations could have been credited with disappearances, damnations and behavioral changes. Their eerie presence certainly recalls the undesirable influence these forms might have represented.
The shrouded forms pay hommage to the works of Auguste Rodin, through their concern with character and emotion. The eerie nature of these FIGURES derives from their vacant forms, they are at once deeply emotive and disconcerting.

Manfred Kielnhofer was born in Haslach an der Mühl, Austria.He currently lives and works in Linz, Austria where he opened the gallery 'Art Park' in 2005. Kielnhofer is self-taught and his work spans the mediums of painting, film, photography, installation, performance and sculpture.

Kielnhofer's work is predominantly concerned with the human figure, and its various forms and movements. The figure is an integral part of his work, and he often uses the human form as a tool, either in place of a canvas, or in a collaboration to produce large-scale installations or performances.

Kielnhofer has exhibited widely throughout Austria and his work has recently been featured in exhibitions in New York and Miami. Kielnhofer's Timeguards represent the first of his works to be exhibited in the UK.

Text: Cass Sculpture Foundation www.sculpture.org.uk/artists/ManfredKielnhofer

Links

www.kielnhofer.at
www.kielnhofer.com
www.timeguards.com
www.artpark.at
www.fotopark.at
www.contemporary-art.at
www.lightart-biennale.com