Robert Erdelji / Links of the Society
Solo exhibition
FROM THE PREFACE OF THE EXHIBITION
Art and technology are not mutually exclusive, but support and intertwine. Art has always been present in technology, and technology has always been necessary for art to spread and to be experienced in new ways.
Nicholas Negroponte, founder of the MIT Media Lab
With his solo exhibition Links of Society, Robert Erdelji, one of the most talented sculptors of the youngest generation who came of age at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb, presents an ambient series of sculptures in which he abolishes the boundaries between the animate and the inanimate with an innovative creative process.
Namely, the initial idea at the very beginning of the creation of the work is created by the will of the author who creates the initial form / construction, then with the knowledge of physics, chemistry and modern technology creates a micro environment in which the independent growth of crystals that give the sculpture its final form is encouraged.
Questions arise as to whether the resulting sculpture is an amazing work of nature, and whether the presence of an artist is needed today for a work of art to be created.
However, the material component is only the beginning of the metaphorical achievements that are contained in the author's motif. Thus, the author says: "The social chains, strongly weighted and connected around our hollowed, eaten and coral-like overgrown spirit floating in the ocean of possibilities, keep us submerged at the bottom. And while the figure looks up towards the light that reaches through the vibrating surface of the ocean, and the other looks at the observer/audience, all that remains is to think – where would we sail if at least one link gave way?".
The author is interested in the possibilities of transforming space, according to Henry Moore "Sculpture is an art that deals with space, not just the surface." Thus, in space, sculptures rise from the cracked earth inspired by the dried up lake of the artist's native land, emerging from the darkness to the surface. The sculptures symbolize strength and vitality, as well as the ability to emerge from difficult conditions. Copper crystals on the surface of the sculptures, brought to life by refracting light effects, create a unique experience, drawing visitors into the
matter.
The dedicated work of the young artist has given rise to a number of innovative methods, materials and processes, and visitors are given the opportunity to penetrate and gain insight into the very process of creating the work by witnessing the creation of a new sculpture. Erdelji thus changes the concept of sculpture and its limitations, and sensitizing the professional and general public to innovative artistic practices relevant to Croatian recent artistic creation enriches the cultural offer by involving a wide range of visitors and the development of awareness and education of the audience.
Ida Blažičko, doc. dr. art.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Robert Erdelji was born on June 3, 1998 in Vinkovci. He graduated from the High School of Applied Arts and Design in Osijek in 2017 when he received the second prize of the University of Osijek for the best work of high school graduates. In the same year, he enrolled in the study of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb. From group exhibitions, he participated in: 4th Croatian International Triennial of Self-Portraits with the work "Resolution of Identity", at the 2. Samobor Salon with the work "The Birth of Sculpture", in 2020 at the Antisalon in Zagreb with the work "Drowning artist", 5. Croatian International Triennial of Self-Portraits with the work "Shell" in 2021. and at the Antisalon in 2022 with the work "Hotel parasite". In 2018, he made three public monuments, to the first directors of the Osijek Red Cross, laid in Orahovica. In the academic year 2019/2020, he won the Rector's Award of the University of Zagreb for the team's scientific and artistic work "The New Face of the Old Saint – Reconstruction of the Baroque Stone Sculpture of St. Michael". Michael".
The exhibition is financed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia and the City Office for Culture of the City of Zagreb.
The exhibition can be viewed during the working hours of the Gallery (Mon-Fri: 9-16, 18-20 h and Saturday: 11-16 h) until 9.1.2023.
