Latest Exhibition
Illusions for the Human Eye
The artist's work captivates not only seasoned art enthusiasts but also those less familiar with exhibitions. In today’s technology-driven world, everything seen in computer animations and digital screens is constructed similarly to Wehner’s work. What appears as a surface in a film is often composed of a multitude of smooth surfaces, increasingly refined through advanced techniques.
​
This process, sometimes showcased in documentaries about film production, mirrors the way Wehner creates his pieces. The computation of complex surfaces by decomposing them into pixels—usually triangles—is akin to the meticulous construction of his art. In an age where nearly infinite computing power generates illusions for the human eye, Wehner’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of handcrafted artistry.
​
By understanding and integrating these contemporary methods, Wehner bridges the gap between traditional art and modern technology. His work not only reflects but also challenges the digital age, offering a tangible counterpoint to the virtual illusions we encounter daily.
Archaic sculptures
Structure and Constitution
In contemplating Bernd Wehner’s work, it becomes essential to consider how artists have historically anticipated technical principles that later permeate daily life. From the earliest cave paintings to contemporary fine arts, poetry, and music, fascinating discoveries await exploration. Unlike films that create illusions, Wehner’s goal is not to deceive but to reveal. His structures and constructions are intentionally visible, inviting scrutiny and reflection.
​
Faust's question of what holds the world together in its innermost essence parallels Wehner’s artistic inquiry. For Wehner, the exploration is less about technical construction and more about revealing the underlying constitution. His structures provoke us to question and delve deeper into the essence of being. The form is not merely a facade but a pointer towards the profound truths to be explored.
​
In Wehner’s work, the visible structure prompts a dialogue about the inherent nature of existence, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricate relationship between form and being.
Art Transcends Material
In Bernd Wehner's hands, corrugated cardboard transcends its mundane origins to become art. Through his meticulous processes, the material undergoes a transformation akin to the application of paint on canvas. When successful, this raw material of little intrinsic value evolves into something that convinces both the artist and the viewer of its worth. This transformation process defies simple understanding, as it involves design principles for form and color, the brain's perception mechanisms, and references to art history, among other factors.
​
Wehner’s work generates anticipation from the moment of its artistic inception, carrying a strong cultic impetus. Unlike traditional notions that art serves the beautiful, the religious, or the visual representation of power, Wehner's creations emphasize that art fundamentally changes and transcends the materials used.
​
Consider the example of Christo, the renowned sculptor and packaging artist. While Christo’s work involves wrapping objects, he ultimately reveals rather than conceals. The materials—fabric, cords, and even the Reichstag building in 1995—serve to highlight a deeper artistic intent. This act could be seen as a form of art cleansing, marking a significant moment for the historically charged edifice.
​
In Wehner’s philosophy, conversion is a core artistic mystery. The true secret of art lies in the artist’s ability to elevate profane materials into creations of the highest quality. Whether working with cardboard, lead, or bitumen, Wehner masterfully exemplifies this transformative power.
Art from Profane Materials
'As an interpreter of art, Bernd Wehner becomes a master of themes and perspectives. When his work succeeds, it not only communicates his questions
but also transforms them into inquiries we ourselves begin to ponder
as we contemplate his sculptures.
In our rational age, where everything seems to bow to reason — often merely an imposed irrationality — Wehner's work invites us to challenge this notion.
​
His recent exhibition, aptly titled "In Unsecured Mode," encapsulates this exploration.
Wehner’s art asks us to navigate the uncertainties and ambiguities that lie beyond the surface, encouraging a deeper, more personal engagement with his creations.'
​
Peter Nüremerg