"Orthogonal – presenting international Non-Objective Art in the Balkans"

essay which i wrote for orthogonal international forum for non-objective art, published in catalogue of this event.  #orthogonal16

"Orthogonal – presenting international Non-Objective Art in the Balkans"

Since 2012, orthogonal carries out a very important mission by showing the works of international contemporary artists and also masters of European art like Max Bill, Nikolay Diulgheroff, Eugen Gomringer, Dóra Maurer, Bob Bonies, Ingo Glass et al. The inclusion of artists from different countries gives us the opportunity to explore international and local non-objective art in Sofia – a natural centre of the balkan region and one of the most important cities on the peninsula. The importance of the event is not only in bringing significant artworks to the area but also to establish a tradition which explores the forms of geometric art in different styles, mediums and generations of artists.

In the orthogonal16 exhibition each artist has their unique style and when all works are displayed together it is clear that they have the idea of purity and simple aesthetics in common. Exposed together the artworks detach the viewers from reality and let them enter a whole new world.

For example, Ingo Glass' aluminum sculptures draw the question of how three dimensional geometric elements convey a sense of simplicity with primary colours and basic shapes such as the square, the circle and the triangle. The audience can read these sculptures as a relation between space and form by looking at the configuration of these basic shapes which are joined perpendicularly. The subtraction of forms creates an internal space which makes us think of the function of the artwork and the outer space [which can also be seen as an empty form]. Human-size or smaller constructions standing on the wall and at the floor easily interact with the viewers and engage their attention – like in Petar Dochev's works. The painting section consists of distinct artistic languages which show a search for true meaning through the use of geometric forms, lines and colour.

One of the most interesting parts of the exhibition is Eugen Gomringer's concrete poetry which is perceived both literary and visually at the same time. These concepts can be considered as poetry beyond the textual dimension. By arranging words in nonlinear patterns across the plane prof. Gomringer gives the reader a creative role in his intellectual riddles.

Orthogonal offers us a chance to view exceptional pieces of art. Young artists and especially children can find a huge inspiration in the exhibited artworks. The educational workshops for children make this respectable event even more meaningful and recognisable.

As one of the participating artists, i am deeply honoured to be invited by Georgi Dimitrov, the curator and founder of orthogonal.

Erdem Küçükköroğlu
2017

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http://www.orthogonal.bg/documents/orthogonal16-catalogue.pdf