Die Zeitlose (zweite Reflexion)
| Edition | Original Art |
|---|---|
| Sujet | Portrait |
| Technique | Painting |
| Height | 280 cm |
| Width | 230 cm |
| Length/Depth | 10 cm |
2016
Acrylic on canvas mounted on a wooden frame
The portrait ‘The Timeless One (Second Reflection)’ by the artist Konstantin Lischkoff-Knecht depicts an elderly, dignified lady sitting slightly stooped in a chair, dressed in black linen. At first glance, the scene may appear conventional, yet the unique technique employed by Lischkoff-Knecht here lends the work an extraordinary depth and expressiveness.
In this work, Lischkoff-Knecht challenges the convention of canvas stretching by ensuring that the canvas is not stretched taut across the stretcher frame, but hangs loosely from it. This innovative approach creates an additional dimension of reflection and contemplation regarding the structure and integrity of the artwork itself.
The acrylic paint has been applied in flowing strokes, some of which run down the loosely hanging canvas, thereby creating a dynamic and almost surreal quality. The flowing layers of paint create a texture that links the static moment of the pose with the transience and flow of time.
The portrait of the lady exudes dignity and calm, but the expressive lines and flowing paint add a layer of impermanence and transience. This technique requires a high degree of control and intuition, as Lischkoff-Knecht directs the flowing paint in such a way as to emphasise the lady’s contours and features without completely obscuring them. The result is a harmonious interplay of form and movement that captivates the viewer.
The aspect of time plays a central role in this work. The painting process itself is an intense dialogue between the artist and her model, an exploration of feelings and impressions that arise during the creation of the painting. The viewer sees only the final result – a painting that reflects both the lady’s likeness and the artist’s emotional journey. This interplay between the painter’s personal experience and the viewer’s perception adds a deeper layer of meaning to the work.
“The Timeless One (Second Reflection)” is thus more than just a portrait; it is a reflection on the nature of time, human experience and the artist’s engagement with the subject. Lischkoff-Knecht invites the viewer not only to see the lady’s outward appearance, but also the fleeting moments and emotions that have gone into the creation of this impressive work of art.
Konstantin Lischkoff-Knecht
Mr Knecht studied Fine Art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich from 2012 to 2020, under Günther Förg and Jorinde Voigt.
Knecht also took part in Anne Imhof’s project class and engaged in lively exchanges with various lecturers and students at the Academy.
Artist Statement
My artistic journey is deeply rooted in Abstract Expressionism, a style characterised by spontaneous, emotional and unbridled forms of expression. The works of pioneers such as Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning, as well as artists like Cy Twombly and Georg Baselitz, have significantly shaped my understanding and appreciation of the raw, immediate power of colour and form.
In my paintings, I strive to explore the boundaries of visual language and to convey the emotions and thoughts that move me onto the canvas. Abstract Expressionism offers me the freedom to express myself beyond traditional forms and conventions. This style allows me to experiment with colours, textures and compositions to create a deep and often intuitive resonance.
For me, every canvas is a slaughtering block upon which I come to terms with inner conflicts, feelings and thoughts. The movement of the brush, the flow of paint and the bold gestures reflect the intensity and spontaneity that lie at the heart of my work. The factor of time plays a very intimate role in the creative process: For me, the flow of paint and the resulting emergence of the image represent the passing of the states of my inner life as they are immediately experienced. This process is ultimately concealed from the viewer – the viewer is presented only with the outcome of my process. Through this unfiltered form of artistic expression, I strive to draw viewers into a world of emotion that is as subjective and multi-layered as human experience itself.
Abstract Expressionism has provided me not only with a stylistic framework, but also with a philosophical foundation. It reminds me that art should not merely be viewed, but experienced – it should create a direct and often personal connection between the work and the viewer.
Exhibitions (selection):
2015 Polish Institute Platan / Latarka Gallery (Budapest)
2015 Salon Kennedy (Frankfurt)
2015 Kunstverein Wiesbaden (Wiesbaden)
2016 Catholic Academy Munich (Munich)
2017 Lothringer 13 (Munich)
2017 Art Homes (Munich)
2018 Kunstarkaden (Munich)
2018 Haus 10 (Fürstenfeldbruck)
2023 Kunstarkaden (Munich)
2024 Kunstpavillon (Munich)
