Dvir

Barak Ravitz

17 May - 25 Jun 2011

© Barak Ravitz
For the Bottom Drawer, 2011
cutlery Tray, neon
7x28x35 cm
BARAK RAVITZ
Parterre
17 May - 25 June, 2011

Dvir Gallery is happy to invite you to the opening of the exhibition: Parterre by Barak Ravitz

Parterre is a single rectangular element within the traditional French garden’s geometric partitioning of space. Each plot is made up of carefully delineated, patterned flowerbeds, with paths that cross carefully between them.

Relating to this term, the exhibition “Parterre” demonstrates various organizational systems. The abstract images are arranged in systematic compositions, which are borrowed from everyday practical organization or from the organization of natural elements into domesticated, decorative household nature.

The exhibition’s clean esthetic and limited palette are a reference to the somber minimalist attitude. This esthetic, however, is confused and sullied by a “minimalist style”, taught in lifestyle magazines and on television. This stylization of a high-art esthetic allows anyone to design a high-end kitchen or living room by simply appropriating art ideals into their design.

In addition to being a gardening term, Parterre – literally “on the ground” – is also used in wrestling for a crouching position that benefits the crouching opponent. Another meaning comes from the real estate world and describes a space on the ground level of a building, like the gallery space. The individual pieces in “Parterre” – made of Formica sheets, entrance rugs, silverware platters – are likewise trying to rise above their “ground” and create a presence that goes beyond their surface.

The exhibit is a product of the artist’s year-long artist residency in Paris.
 

Tags: Barak Ravitz