04 october 2024, Flor Linckens
Stefan Peters: a dialogue between two hands
Until 12 October, Galerie Roger Katwijk in Amsterdam presents 'Hyper Vista', the gallery's third solo exhibition of Stefan Peters. Here, the Belgian artist introduces a new series of works from his "Symmetry Series". This series, building on his earlier "Vistas", consists of two panels that can be arranged in various ways: horizontally, diagonally or vertically. This flexibility gives the overall composition a constantly shifting dimension. In these symmetrical diptychs, Peters explores the boundaries between reality and imagination, with a particular focus on the subconscious processes involved in image formation. How do symmetry and distortion influence our perception of reality, and what mechanisms underly that process?
Peters paints these panels simultaneously. While he normally uses only his right hand, he now paints both sides of the diptych in synchrony with both hands, resulting in a subtle asymmetry that is only noticeable up close. The theme of symmetry gains extra meaning from Peters’ personal background: as one half of an identical twin, he has always had a special connection to the idea of mirror images and doppelgängers. This theme plays a crucial role in his work, where the line between original and copy often becomes blurred.
“I am not a landscape painter. I use the landscape purely as a thematic framework to explore painting. I’m more interested in what painting means today, particularly in relation to digital images. We are constantly engaged with digital media and view images in that way, which makes the analogue painted image, with all its artistic heritage, all the more significant. These two worlds can create an interesting tension.”
Distinctive features of Peters' work include the use of unnatural colours, his technical proficiency and his preference for wooden panels over traditional canvas. These panels are carefully prepared to create a perfectly smooth surface. His choice of panels aligns with his fascination for the physical act of painting and his exploration of the boundaries of the discipline — and the relevance and conditions of the medium in the 21st century. Peters occasionally draws from surprisingly contemporary sources of inspiration, such as Google Earth and video game landscapes. The artist views the brushstroke as an autonomous force within the work and investigates how painting can mimic reality, whether or not through the use of alienation effects. What role do memories and desires play in this? Alongside the diptychs, Peters also presents a series of other works in this exhibition, including his round tondi paintings.
