Peter Cvik: You are the axis of time

Peter Cvik's latest exhibition delves into the exploration of memory and its interplay with visual perception. Over the past four years, his focus has been on researching the visual recollections of both artists and audiences, with the aim of establishing a space where these recollections intersect through his paintings.

Rejecting reliance on physical images or photographs, Cvik opts to paint directly from memory, layering visions on canvas until he achieves what he describes as a "synthetic reality." This constructed reality comprises three pivotal elements: an artistically stylized representation of reality, hints of familiarity to stimulate discussions on simulacrum, and the utilization of one's own memory atlas to decipher the painting.

In his recent series, "Hopeless Romantic," Cvik has introduced faint outlines of human figures into his work. This addition necessitated a nuanced approach to figuration. He began by observing shapes and brush strokes, recognizing that certain elements already hinted at human forms on a subconscious level. He refined this 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, which Cvik refers to as ‘ghosts’ or ‘mute inhabitants’ within the memory compositions, adding depth to scenes that previously focused on architecture, urbanism, and nature. Thus, Cvik aims for the figures to be discovered within his work without necessarily taking center stage.

‘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 encourages viewers to engage in a discourse about their own visual experiences and recollections, prompting interpretation and contemplation on the interconnectedness of perception, memory, and artistic expression.