Axel Vervoordt Gallery is pleased to present, “Was weiss das Weiss”, an exhibition on Raimund Girke (1930-2002), which covers every chapter of his oeuvre. The exhibition is planned for the upcoming publication, "Between White / Was weiss das Weiss", an extensive monograph on Girke’s life and work that examines the international contexts in which he was invited to participate.

Girke (1930-2002) was an artist who remained true to his principles and paradigms in the search for the possibilities of the colour white. For the artist, white—in its presence and absence—was the queen of light. This lifelong investigation led him to minimalist, reductive paintings and gestural, lively compositions. In the 1970s and 80s, he was associated with various artistic movements, including Fundamental Painting, Analytical Painting, and Radical Painting.

In 2019, a large-scale research project was launched to contextualise Girke in the appropriate international perspectives and interpret his role as part of the influential post-war avant-garde movement. This new exhibition at Axel Vervoordt Gallery, Kanaal, takes place in response to this, presenting work from each period of his oeuvre.

The selection of works in combination with archival material allows the viewer to trace Girke’s evolution: from the influence of Art Informel and Malevich to a new direction of monochrome, purified, and linear works. Later, this was followed by gestural works, which were characterized by dynamic movement and contrasts of light and dark.

Artists: Raimund Girke