And when we noticed how the grain of the stones created abstract shapes and symbols, we began to investigate the figurative art within the natural world which appears, at first glance, wholly abstract. It was this process of experimentation we discovered the red jasper gem, which later became an integral part of our work. The jasper is a “piece” of great charm, characterised as it is by a palpable energy. Since the dawn of time, many cultures have considered this heart-shaped gem of unexpected dimensions to be in possession of powerful energies. The jasper seemed to be the natural complement to our existing exhibit. Set at the centre of the works, the heart/sculpture took on a key role. It triggered an explosion, a fragmentation across the wall, a Big Bang which generated its own elements. As though the pieces on display were given life by the jasper itself. And symbolically speaking, it is also a metaphor for the explosion into life of our group.
DUSKMANN PRELUDE | Vilnius Lituania
DUSKMANN “Prelude” art installation in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Feb 2016 at K29
With the Ministry of Culture of Lithuania, Town of Vilnius, Embassy of Italy in Vilnius.
How did the Duskmann Group come about and what philosophy drives it?
Duskmann isn’t an individual project but rather a collective undertaking guided by a stylistic identity. It is a group of people brought together by the desire to create a new kind of style where art and design are united in a potent, revelatory way. It is a multisectoral movement, animated by a passion for the arts and handicrafts, and it intends to carry out projects transversely across a range of fields including photography, music and design. “Prelude”, the group’s debut installation, fully realises the philosophy and aspirations which guide us.
How did you come to create “Prelude” and what prompted you to make natural stone the focal point of an exhibition?
“Prelude” was born out of a desire to reveal the beauty, the charm, the vigour and power of nature. It sprang from our travels, from a passion for photography and the idea of using the lens to reveal the soul of incredible architectures. While we were photographing the stones used in the construction of various buildings, in particular churches distinguished by their compelling stylistic impact, we were seized by the idea of narrating the dynamic force of this extraordinary material.
Our idea was to allow these stones – already works of art in themselves – to become paintings.