Press Release - Beyond Form by Johann Stockner

Galleria Vittoria presents, on Wednesday 8 May 2024 at 6:00 pm, "Oltre la Forma" (Beyond Form) by Johann Stockner, curated by Daniela Accorsi with introductory text by Tiziana Todi. The exhibition is open at Via Margutta 103, Rome, until 22 May 2024.

The artist, born in 1944 in Chiusa, in the hamlet of Velturno, near Bressanone, in the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol/Alto Adige, has spent a lifetime exploring the world of art. Self-taught and described as an "active friend of art", Johann Stockner's artistic journey began at a young age.

A significant moment occurred when, as a child, he came across a book of Chinese calligraphy: this chance encounter sparked a deep interest in writing and symbolism, sowing the seeds of his future passion for art.

"I feel moved at the thought of bringing my art to the magnificent city of Rome", declared Stockner. "It is an honour for me to share my artistic vision with the Roman public. My works carry with them a part of my soul and my connection with nature. They are a reflection of my experiences and emotions."

Stockner's works are steeped in emotions and connections with nature. Using a wide range of materials, including earth, sand, pebbles and recycled materials, the artist creates works that reflect his deep connection with the surrounding environment. Each work is born as an intimate dialogue between artist and material, an exploration of the infinite possibilities offered by nature.

The exhibition "Beyond Form" was born through the synergy between Galleria Vittoria and Galleria Accorsi, presenting around twenty works by the artist and offering the public the opportunity to immerse themselves in Stockner's evocative and meaningful world.

Reflections by Johann Stockner: my exhibition in Rome

The choice to exhibit at Galleria Vittoria in Rome, under the auspices of my artistic curator, Galleria Accorsi in Turin, has a specific emotional motivation: I wish to celebrate my eightieth birthday by exhibiting on Via Margutta, a place in Rome famous and beloved by artists from all over the world.

Since childhood, I have been in love with Art and I define myself as a "friend of art". I have also drawn inspiration from it in my work carried out for years in contact with ex-prisoners in a protected house in Bolzano and as an art therapist in an Austrian penitentiary institution. The artist, in creative expression, confronts their own self and counters any forms of aggression.

Artists, philosophers and doctors have always exalted the beneficial effect of Art: Picasso himself stated that Art makes the dust of everyday life disappear from the soul, while C.G. Jung emphasised that Art can reveal secrets uselessly investigated by the intellect, and Basaglia made great use of its therapeutic effect for his psychiatric patients. The land in which I live, Alto Adige/Sud Tyrol, provides me with the material I use for my works, in which earth, sand, pebbles and bark are present. I observe with great respect the nature of my land in all its facets, drawing continuous stimulus for my creations.

At the end of each painting, I reflect at length on the work, bearing in mind Freud's thought which gave great importance to the union of "Unconscious-Conscious". I try to decode the work by not dwelling only on what is visible, but on what the image wants to express without the aid of words.

Critical text by Tiziana Todi

Johann Stockner emerges as an artist who expresses his vision through informal art, elevating the concept of beauty through the masterful use of raw materials and a bold exploration of symbols and abstract forms. His work transcends the simple act of representing nature, becoming an expression of profound connection with the surrounding environment and a reflection on the complexity of human existence.

The chance encounter with Chinese calligraphy marked a turning point in Stockner's creative journey, introducing him to a world of symbols and strokes that stimulated his imagination and awakened an innate desire to explore new artistic frontiers. Through a spontaneous and intuitive process, he transforms raw materials into works that explore the boundaries of perception and challenge traditional artistic conventions.

In his studio, Stockner finds inspiration in nature itself, which becomes an inexhaustible source of materials and suggestions. Earth, stones and bark are manipulated and shaped with mastery, transforming their raw essence into works of art that emanate a sense of authenticity and vitality.

His technique is not the result of chance, but of deep reflection on the relationship between the artist and his means of expression. Each stroke, each form, carries an implicit meaning, an evocation of emotions and abstract concepts that challenge the viewer to explore the depths of the human soul.

Information

Galleria Vittoria, Via Margutta 103, Rome. Opening: Wednesday 8 May 2024 at 6:00 pm. On display until 22 May 2024.