Since its invention, photography has captivated painters, offering them new ways to see and represent the world. The advent of Impressionism marked a pivotal moment in art history, during which photography profoundly influenced artists like Degas. This groundbreaking medium not only reshaped Degas’ understanding of reality but also introduced innovative possibilities for perspective, composition, and the inclusion of everyday subjects that were previously absent from paintings. Over the two centuries since its emergence, the discourse surrounding photography has continually evolved, challenging traditional media like painting. Johannes Unger, has consistently found new ways to engage with and confront the ever-shifting role of photography within the artistic landscape.

Johannes Unger’s creative process

Born and raised in Sachsen-Anhalt, Johannes Unger was driven by a passion for art that led him to move to Leipzig in 2015. There, he pursued his studies in painting at the Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst (HGB), eventually graduating in 2021. Driven by a profound fascination with photorealism, Johannes immerses himself in exploring the influence of digital visual strategies that dominate social media, shaping contemporary perceptions of corporeality as he refines his unique artistic style.

Johannes’ artistic practice follows a meticulous and systematic process. It begins with archival work, image preparation, and editing. After carefully selecting and editing images in Photoshop, Johannes prints the source material, makes a few final adjustments, and then translates the photograph into a painting. Starting with sketchy marks, he gradually builds up layers of paint, progressing from very thin applications to thicker ones, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly between sessions. Often working quickly, Johannes completes his paintings in just a few short sessions. He primarily favors oil paint and watercolor for their unique properties, especially their depth of color.

images by PILOTENKUECHE or supplied by an artist

Johannes Unger‘s subjects are typically everyday objects—common and familiar scenes from daily life. Whether it’s a stack of pancakes, a staircase, or a car sunshade, Johannes focuses on capturing the physicality of these images while proposing a new perspective. The three-dimensional objects he chooses to paint occupy a two-dimensional space, such as a canvas, without losing their original shape, all while challenging the viewer’s perception. His paintings captivate the viewer by altering the perspective of the image. As a result the fragmentation of image is displayed the same subject through different frames inside the same series.

Serial narratives

Serial works are a significant aspect of Johannes’ practice, with notable examples being S.C.H.I.R.M.E. and INTRA. The S.C.H.I.R.M.E. series explores everyday objects such as fireplaces, hot steel, boilers, ovens, and televisions. In certain instances, like in Steel (2020), the subject evolves into a reflection on photography itself. Moreoverer by presenting the same subject through three different frame cuts, Johannes aims to offer varying perspectives, deepening the viewer’s understanding of the subject. 

“When you paint figuratively, you find yourself in a situation where you must address specific challenges of relationality and the precise placement of an image within time and space. Therefore, besides emphasizing the importance of a given subject matter, multiple perspectives of a situation are rendered as a means of deepening insight.”

In contrast, the INTRA series focuses on animal eye diseases. Johannes sourced images from scientific and recreational online forums about veterinary medicine and animal care, as well as other found footage depicting sick animal eyes. In this series, Johannes’ interest centers on the genesis of the image.

Through his practice, Johannes continuously explores different visual strategies and examines the camera as an instrument. Furthermore seeking to develop a contemporary language for presenting images on canvas. His ultimate aim is to propose a new gaze for the viewers of his works, inviting them to see the world through fresh perspectives.

                                                                                                                           written by Francesca Revello

Fleshy Gesture : Texture

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Abandoned New Position

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