Temple

Temple

Artist
Jonas Burgert, German, 1969
Born: Berlin, Germany
Work Locations: Berlin, Germany
Country
Germany
Object
painting
Medium
Oil paint on canvas
Accession Number
2008.414
Credit Line
Departmental Deaccessioning Funds
Jonas Burgert (German). Temple. Oil paint on canvas. Departmental Deaccessioning Funds. 2008.414.
Dimensions
height: 94 3/4 in, 240.6650 cm; width: 86 3/4 in, 220.3450 cm; depth: 1 in, 2.5400 cm; height: 94 1/2 in, 240.0300 cm; width: 86 5/8 in, 220.0275 cm
Inscription
VERSO: reads, "-Tempel- 2007" in right center quadrant with illegible signature below, lower center quadrant reads, "Jonas Burgert"
Department
Modern and Contemporary Art
Collection
Modern and Contemporary Art

Burgert's spaces are like theatrical stages. He creates a world where figures, which represent allegories rather than specific human beings, are staged within metaphoric scenes. In paintings like Temple, Burgert creates a conflict that deals with human characteristics and qualities. The main figure who remains untouched by the apocalyptic surroundings may represent persistence or endurance. There are many details to be deciphered in the representational world of Burgert's paintings, but the real sensation is his method of painting, which conveys the mystery and luminosity of his work. The walls, pavement and container seem to soak up all the colors, evaporating them into a whole variety of hues. Burgert's canvases seem to reference a world that cannot be touched or described, but which we are all aware of. The atmosphere in Burgert's paintings is often taken from a world of destruction and decay. One gets the impression that his figures are meant to represent values that describe human beings at their most basic.

 

© Jonas Burgert

Exhibition History
  • "Focus: The Figure"--Denver Art Museum, 8/9/2008 - 2/2011