Peter Cvik: You are the axis of time

Peter Cvik's exhibition "You are the axis of time" delves deep into the intricate relationship between memory, perception, and the fluidity of time.

Over the past four years, Cvik has devoted himself to researching the visual recollections of both artists and audiences, seeking to establish a space where these memories intersect through his paintings. Rejecting the use of physical images or photographs, Cvik chooses to paint directly from memory. Layering images on canvas until he achieves what he calls a "synthetic reality," comprising three essential elements: an artistically stylized representation of reality, hints of familiarity to spark discussions on simulacrum, and the use of one's memory to decode the painting.

Cvik introduces faint outlines of human figures into his work. Starting with subtle observations of shapes and brush strokes, he recognizes that certain elements already hint at human forms on a subconscious level. He refines this technique by incorporating charcoal lines and compositional sketches of figures directly onto the canvas, repeatedly erasing and redrawing them. The resulting paintings contain subtle indications of human presence, referred to by Cvik as ‘ghosts’ or ‘mute inhabitants’ within the memory compositions, adding depth to scenes previously focused on architecture, urbanism, and nature. Cvik aims for these figures to be discovered within his work without dominating the narrative.

“You are the axis of time” marks a significant milestone in Cvik's artistic journey, particularly in his exploration of the element of time. He approaches time not by its explicit representation but through its perception. To achieve this, he employs two methods: observing time through the gravitational pull and flow of fluid paint on vertical surfaces, and crafting scenes that depict multiple potential natural light conditions simultaneously.

In essence, Cvik's work invites viewers to engage in a discourse about their visual experiences and memories, prompting interpretation and contemplation on the interplay of perception, memory, and artistic expression.