galerie probst
Selina Baumann is known for her biomorphic, organic sculptures made of ceramic. Some are reminiscent of jellyfish, bacteria or extraterrestrial beings, while others are column-shaped and over two metres tall, entwined with bulging mesh. Despite their hard and heavy ceramic, her "mystical beings" seem to be in constant change and are characterized by their imperfection. They are crooked and appear unstable, almost unfinished.
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"I don't want to create anything pretty. I want the viewer to be bothered by my sculptures, to feel the need to touch the sculptures and straighten them out."
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This literal understanding of their essence enables a haptic experience: is the surface porous and rough or smooth and cool? Baumann takes a very physical approach to the production process and experiences the powerful processing of the soft clay as a dialogue with a friend, whereby the material develops a life of its own.
She also experiments with different materials. Her latest works include drawn primeval plants on ceramic plates and textiles. The plates made of white clay and the large fabric pictures create a noticeable tension through their combination of heavy material and delicate patterns. All of her works have something to do with the element earth, because new life in all forms grows from earth.
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