Introduction:
Hubert Kurkiewicz’s art is a masterful exploration of the tension between order and chaos, drawing upon his fascination with nostalgia, childhood sentiments, and the dreamlike realms of hypnagogia. Known for his diverse work in video, music, and new media, Kurkiewicz’s latest piece, “A PILE OF 161 STONES IN A CORNER,” continues his exploration of balance, control, and the unpredictability of matter. Exhibited at the Chroma Art Film Festival, this large-scale acrylic installation immerses the viewer in a visual metaphor for the struggle between desire and reality.
Program Description:
At its core, “A PILE OF 161 STONES IN A CORNER” presents a pile of 161 black-outlined stones painted directly onto the corner of a gallery space. The stones seem to balance and support each other, yet there is a palpable sense of tension—as if the entire pile is moments away from collapse. Governed by the principles of physics, the stones appear to have fallen and settled naturally, bringing attention to the delicate equilibrium within this confined space. This interplay between order and instability is a recurring theme in Kurkiewicz’s work, reflecting his ongoing interest in how matter behaves under the forces of physics.
Artist Statement:
Kurkiewicz’s artistic vision often draws upon his subconscious, utilizing elements of dreams to study the properties of matter. His work is informed by the collision between ideas and reality, and “A PILE OF 161 STONES IN A CORNER” embodies this struggle. As he notes, “The pile of pebbles is a metaphor for trying to control chaos. The process of creating an image is a struggle between the theoretically infinite number of possible combinations and the awareness of the applicable laws of physics.”
In this piece, Kurkiewicz doesn’t seek to create something entirely new but instead offers alternative scenarios for how bodies of matter might behave within a confined space. His work is a reflection of the friction between creativity and the limitations imposed by the physical world.
Title:
A PILE OF 161 STONES IN A CORNER by Hubert Kurkiewicz
Medium:
Acrylic paint directly onto walls
Artwork Description:
Kurkiewicz’s “A PILE OF 161 STONES IN A CORNER” is a thought-provoking installation that visually embodies the tension between order and chaos. Painted directly onto the gallery walls, the stones appear to have fallen naturally, interacting with their surroundings to form a balanced yet precarious structure. The use of black outlines against a white background amplifies the starkness of the piece, while the minimalist aesthetic enhances the sense of instability.
The piece is a metaphor for the delicate balance inherent in any closed system, where forces of entropy continually push towards disorder. The stones, while appearing stable, seem to teeter on the edge of collapse, held together by the constraints of the gallery space. This installation challenges the viewer’s perception of stability, urging them to consider the hidden forces at play within seemingly ordered systems.
Kurkiewicz’s work often delves into the psychological and philosophical realms, drawing on his subconscious feelings and dreams to inform his art. His fascination with controlling chaos and studying matter is evident in “A PILE OF 161 STONES IN A CORNER,” where the viewer is invited to ponder the fine line between stability and collapse.
Personal Exploration:
Kurkiewicz’s artistic journey is shaped by his exploration of nostalgia, hypnagogia, and the subconscious. His work often blurs the lines between control and unpredictability, as he experiments with the interaction of materials, textures, and forces in confined spaces. In “A PILE OF 161 STONES IN A CORNER,” the corner of the gallery becomes a metaphorical representation of both stability and restriction—where the stones can exist only within the boundaries set by their environment.
This artwork builds on his previous installations, which often feature stones and other materials that emphasize the clash between matter and the forces acting upon it. His broader portfolio includes video installations, interactive new media, and immersive environments that draw viewers into his exploration of matter, balance, and physical laws.
Conclusion:
Hubert Kurkiewicz’s “A PILE OF 161 STONES IN A CORNER” is a visually arresting and conceptually rich installation that challenges viewers to confront the delicate balance between order and chaos. Through his use of simple materials and confined spaces, Kurkiewicz invites the viewer to reflect on the hidden forces that shape our understanding of stability and disorder. His work is a testament to the power of minimalism in conveying complex ideas, leaving viewers with a deeper appreciation for the tension between control and the inevitable forces of nature.
All images by Max Rykov.