-
Stanislava Kovalcikova
Grotto
In her first solo exhibition in Austria, Stanislava Kovalcikova explores the theme of the grotesque. A key stylistic element in the artist's paintings is the deliberate alienation of the familiar. She creates fantastical, whimsical settings populated by fable-like human and animal characters that operate outside of social norms. Kovalcikova's works challenge notions of gender, skin color, identity, social convention, and power relations.
In her most recent works, three new large-format paintings, created especially for this exhibition, continue with the grotesque as an ornamental design element in pastoral scenes of Dionysian debauchery. Through her tragicomic depictions, the artist refers to the hedonistic sexuality of her generation.
Curated by Stella Rollig.
Belvedere 21
Opening Hours
Address
Arsenalstraße 1, 1030 Vienna
Getting there
The Exhibition
The exhibition space at the lower level of the Belvedere 21 reflects big city urban life on pause – the passage of time seems distorted. The enigmatic nature of Kovalcikova's work invites visitors to look within themselves as well.
The title Grotto takes its name from a man-made grotto at Hugh Hefner's Los Angeles mansion, where the former Playboy editor used to entertain; after his death, reports of sexual abuse and drug excesses there became public.
Inhalt 3
Inhalt 4
Biography
Stanislava Kovalcikova was born in Czechoslovakia in 1988 and lives and works in Düsseldorf. She studied painting at the Düsseldorf Art Academy with Peter Doig and Tomma Abts. She spent her childhood and youth living in various places around the world. In her art, she addresses the experiences of crossing borders, not belonging to a community, and motherhood. Her work examines issues of familiarity, alienation, self-perception, and the construction of identity.
Inhalt 3
Inhalt 4
