We live in a world where the process of digitalization is completely invading our lives. Currently, we cannot know what consequences await us. But, the really important thing is to start asking ourselves questions about the effects it will have on us. Jakob Mödlinger‘s artistic research is based on this initial question.
Jakob cautiously interested
His works explore the consequences this unstoppable process could have on our mental health. Jakob is both interested and also frightened. He believes that this unstoppable process could corrupt human nature. In his first solo exhibition, Just make me a computer, Jakob made use of irony to express his doubts about the period we are currently in. We are in a time of great change and confusion. His art is not meant to be a warning, nor does he want to take the position of moralizer. Jakob creates artwork in order to express his thoughts, feelings and questions. “What position do I take in a world that is governed by digitalization, globalization and interconnectedness?” He is sure about one thing: we must adapt to this new era.
images by PILOTENKUECHE or supplied by artist
Intuitive chaos and rational design are the two phases that characterize his creative process. Initially, he follows his pure instinct from his body. The shapes, colours, any expression born from this first phase, are seen as natural expressions of his intuition and his body. These forms have a specific meanings: they reflect human nature. Then, he takes a break. He begins to think about how to look for a possible balance. And so another phase, the rational one, has begun. In this new phase, he creates edge lines that reflect the mental-rational process and the technologization. Now, the rational process has come to an end, and intuition, chaos, comes into play again. It is a repeating circle, constantly searching for balance between the intuitive and the rational.
Balance
In addition to traditional techniques, Jakob makes use of more modern methods in the realization of his paintings. The screen-printing technique allows him to incorporate ideas which would not be possible with painting alone. As a result, in his works we can see imprinted codes and numbers from the digital world. Thus, in the painting we can see the contrast created by the organic forms and shapes and the digital world reflected by codes and numbers. Moreover, this contrast has a specific meaning: it wants to relate the strictness of the digital world and the looseness of the analog world.
written by Alessio Tassi
Keep up with the latest from Jakob on his instagram
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