Claude-Mirrors I – III

ClaudeSpiegel

Located at the edge of a forest 2007
The work and it´s title refer to the landscapist Claude Lorrain (1666 – 1682). Lorrain worked with a mirror made from polished black glas to find and define his motifs. So the picture was not taken from nature, but from a shaped representation of nature. During the age of enlightning the now called „Claude-Mirror“ became fashionable among european aristocrats. With pocket-sized mirrors they where searching for „picturesque“ motifs. Not the experience of nature, but its´s selective perception was the focus of interest.
The installation is made of 3 mirrors from polished stainless steel. There formats are 30 X 45 cm, 25 X 50 cm and 20 X 60 cm. They are placed at the verge of a forest, looking at a panoramic view. The recipient moves at the interface of nature and image. He can choose his angle of view – select his motif -, but he will also experience the limitations set by the defind cut-outs.