CARSTEN BECK – CONSTRUCTION OF ELEMENTS

Circle Culture Gallery Berlin is pleased to introduce the first solo exhibition by the Danish artist Carsten Beck. Mastering the cutting edge of geometric abstraction in respect of his artist generation, Carsten has developed a fresh and contemporary version of a painterly concept, that today has a legacy of almost 100 years.

Throughout 20th-century art historical discourse, critics and artists working within the reductive or pure strains of abstraction have often suggested that geometric abstraction represents the height of a non-objective art practice, which necessarily stresses or calls attention to the root plasticity and two-dimensionality of painting as an artistic medium. Wassily Kandinsky, one of the forerunners of pure non-objective painting, was among the first modern artists in the early 20th century to explore this geometric approach in his abstract work.

Reflecting his practice from a today’ s view on the history of geometric abstraction Carsten Beck states: “The concrete approach to the construction of an artistic idiom is about adapting the different styles that may exist within various other idioms: from the rough sketch to the most precise architectural measurements executed on the canvas.”

The raw lines on Carstens paintings are pristine and sharp in contrast to each other. Some people may think that concrete art seems ‘easy’. But it is all about precision: right down to the tiniest millimetre. For Carsten, it’s about doing his utmost – particularly in the field of concrete art. Because everything is so exposed and the most minute ‘error’ is immediately noticeable. It’ s inspiring when you hear Carsten say: “Accuracy is the key that distinguishes good art from bad art. Who doesn’t want to do their very best?”

From sketch to canvas, the artist measures everything down to the smallest detail. Concrete art is all about composition, and the way to achieve it is by working precisely. The accuracy of the lines does not occur accidentally. You only achieve it through performance. The process from start to finish is just as important as the finished work. Asymmetry and symmetry interact not only in the works, but also throughout the entire process. From the symmetry in the numbers that shape the work to the asymmetrical positions of the figures, based on the mathematical precision of the concrete composition.

For his inspiration and ideas, Carsten Beck avidly photographs and ingests elements of architecture where he goes. The exhibition in Berlin will introduce new colour variations, notably in different styles of black, new textures and as a premiere, the artist will introduce sculptural work to the public. A documentation of his architectural photo research practice will be installed to get a deeper knowledge of the inner worlds and visions of a rising position in today’ s art world.

Johann Haehling von Lanzenauer
Curator