Ferdinand Dölberg (b.1998) is a German artist renowned for the profound emotional expression and visual impact of his artwork. Through chaotic and discordant images, the artist creates meaningless and absurd situations, incorporating the nihilistic tendencies of Dadaism into the expression of personal emotions. This manifests as a rebellion and satire against traditional art forms, social norms, and authoritative institutions. Whether it is the geometric shapes and lines in the background or the strange objects and twisted limbs in the hands of the figures, the logic and harmony of the picture are disrupted, demonstrating a disregard and deconstruction of reality and rationality. Through a playful approach, he conveys a deep reflection on the contemporary human conditions.
The artist creates a sense of tension in the relationships between figures through lines and colors, while also delving deeply into themes of structure and order. The recurring grid patterns in the works are inspired by school notebooks, symbolizing rules and social norms. Through this visual element, Dölberg explores the complex relationship between the individual and society, revealing the struggle and compromise of the individual within structural constraints.
《两面,两思,无解》Zwei Seiten. Zwei Gedanken. Keine Lösung
The figures in Dölberg's works are highly stylized, lacking distinguishable gender and age, and devoid of any personal characteristics. This reveals his deep contemplation on identity and self-awareness. The figures in the foreground often exist in a subtle balance between dynamic and static states, appearing as if frozen in intense motion or exhibiting a tranquil and contemplative demeanor. This creates a visual effect that is both tension-filled and harmoniously unified, exploring the complexity of multiple identities and self-awareness within society.
《你可以叫这个自画像,但我不行》You could call it a self-portrait. But I don' t
Dölberg employs high contrast and intense visual tension in his compositions, stemming from his exceptional use of charcoal. Charcoal is a medium with very little room for error, as any mistake leaves a mark on the canvas. Dölberg's adept control of charcoal not only showcases his technical skill but also reflects his sensitivity to and profound understanding of the material.
《纸图模板,编号系统3》Vorlage für Papierfiguren. Nr. System 3
In the paintings of Dölberg, another common element is tape. The artist does not directly use tape in the images but outlines its contours through blank spaces. The addition of tape adds a unique sense of depth and structural complexity to the artwork. Its metaphorical function of sticking and repairing signifies the correction and rebuilding of existing orders, as well as the constraints and control over personal and social relationships. The use of charcoal imbues the figures in the paintings with power and dynamism. The rough texture of charcoal combined with the geometric forms of tape creates a distinctive visual language, making the artworks stylistically unique.
部分展览作品介绍
More on Exhibiting Works
《多声可助,多声无益》Many voices can help. Many voices cannot help
In this work, every step is fraught with difficulty, easily inviting blame; the clamor of voices hampers and restricts, like a boiling tumult of opinions entangling every aspect. Order, rules, and the collective voice cannot be ignored. Under authoritative discourse and standards of action, individual choices are severely constrained, and the pursuit of personal expectations seems futile. Those futile, regimented speeches become wounds that are difficult to heal, leaving troubling scars. Even so, individuals are still not allowed to break away from the group.
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《原材料是有的,但没有想法,条条框框正在崩塌》Material is available. Ideas are missing. System is crumbling
Walking side by side, they seek to break conventions. This artwork depicts two figures who are attempting to change the world, portrayed as warriors dressed in armor-like attire, wielding shields. The scene blends a sense of childlike wonder with heroic undertones, set in a fantastical setting that is both whimsical and imbued with the innocence and imagination of childhood.
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《在地球上发现一切都已过去》Auf der Erde ist alles vorbei. Entdeckung da oben
For humanity, it seems that all desires can be realized through scientific and technological advancements. This artwork employs shades of space-like black and deep blue, resembling the endless expanse of the universe, symbolizing humanity's achievements in conquering space. Through this piece, the artist expresses anticipation for the next phase of humanity—after conquering the blue planet beneath our feet, what will we do next?
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《白旗与四脚朋友的失败恋情》The white flag and failed romance of the four-legged friends
In the Western context, the gentle and docile fawn symbolizes peace and guardianship, while the white flag is an internationally recognized symbol of surrender and cessation of hostilities, representing the desire to end conflict and seek peace. Combining these two symbols creates a picture full of peaceful implications, expressing a longing for world peace in a unique way, encouraging us to bravely set aside hostility and seek peaceful solutions.
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《以水泥代替鲜花,创造而非毁灭》Cement instead of flowers, Creation instead of destruction