Photography Exhibition Gaggenau DesignElementi Roma: Ingar Krauss – Deep Blossom

Ingar Krauss, the acclaimed German photographer renowned for his evocative works and winner of the Leica Prix in 2004, takes center stage in Rome as Gaggenau and Cramum present his first solo exhibition in the Italian capital.

Titled “DEEP BLOSSOM – Is it just a flower?”, this extraordinary showcase, curated by Sabino Maria Frassà, invites viewers to delve into Krauss’ world of mesmerizing “oil-veiled photographs.” Open until July 24th, the exhibition marks a significant moment, bringing Krauss back to Rome a decade after his participation in the prestigious International Photography Festival at the Macro Museum.

At the heart of “DEEP BLOSSOM,” hosted at Lungotevere de Cenci 4, Rome, lies a profound exploration of beauty in transformation. The luxury design brand Gaggenau, together with the non-profit organization Cramum, kick off their 2024 cultural program with a captivating journey into the essence of matter, beautifully narrated by one of the world’s most innovative artists. Krauss’s mastery in capturing the ethereal beauty of still life, particularly through his signature technique of oil veiling on analog black and white prints, mesmerizes visitors, drawing them into a realm where simplicity intertwines with depth.

Each photograph, delicately veiled with layers of oil paint reminiscent of Flemish artistry, is encased in wooden showcases crafted by the artist himself. The result is a multidimensional, almost sculptural image that transcends mere representation, urging viewers to marvel at the intricacies of the natural world. Krauss’s muse? Simple flowers plucked from the garden of his countryside retreat near the Polish border, a sanctuary he sought following the acclaim of winning the Leica Prix in 2004. About these works, the artist explains that “flowers and blooms, as well as plants in general, are part of my daily life, which is why I photograph them. They are a piece of my story.”

“DEEP BLOSSOM” not only showcases Krauss’s photographic prowess but also underscores Gaggenau’s commitment to redefining luxury through design. The seamless integration of Krauss’s minimalist yet profound compositions with Gaggenau’s design elements transforms the exhibition space into a timeless oasis, a sanctuary amid the urban bustle.

Ingar Krauss’s photographic journey is one of relentless exploration and introspection. Through “Deep Blossom,” he invites viewers to contemplate the interplay of light and shadow, using flowers as metaphors to unravel the complexities of existence. Inspired by the masters of light, from Caravaggio to the Flemish painters of the 17th century, Krauss employs the ancient technique of oil veiling to imbue his images with a tangible, almost tactile quality. As illustrated by the curator Sabino Frassà, “For Krauss, photography is not merely a simple transfer of an image captured by the camera, but rather its own representation. When facing a lens, we are never just ourselves, but rather a projection of oneself and of those behind the lens. Similarly, are we certain that when we look at Ingar Krauss’s still lifes, we are merely looking at “just” a flower? The flowers are mostly chosen instinctively. Far from the mundanity of Berlin’s art scene and finding solace in the countryside, near the border with Poland, the plant elements that star in his works are mostly common, if not wild, flowers; they never come from florists, but from his own garden or those of his friends.”

In a world inundated with oversized imagery, Krauss champions the beauty of the small, urging us to pause and appreciate the density of meaning encapsulated within each frame. For him, photography is not merely a replication of reality but a profound reflection of the artist’s vision, akin to a director guiding actors on stage.

In essence, “DEEP BLOSSOM” is not just a celebration of Krauss’s photographic genius but a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art. As visitors immerse themselves in his captivating imagery, they are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where the mundane is infused with magic, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Ingar Krauss – Deep Blossom

Curated by Sabino Maria Frassà
Gaggenau DesignElementi Roma
Lungotevere de’ Cenci 4
22^nd February 2024 – 24^th June 2024
The exhibition is open by appointment from Monday to Friday.
To visit, it is necessary to write to [email protected]
Gaggenau.com