Come Join Regine:
Invitation for Regine Bechtler’s Exhibit at the New Gallery of Modern Art
Artist Statement:
Some say that “Art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.” In the case of German artist Regine Bechtler, her unique and meticulously crafted sculptures have a tendency to make the viewer ponder this concept. The shapeshifting, chimera-like quality of her work makes one question reality.
Bechtler’s art harkens back to ancient mythology and strange yet wondrous fairy tales, which can be interpreted as either whimsical, bestial, or a bit of both. These types of tales, after all, aren’t just for mindless entertainment but rather they are meant to teach a lesson.
The term “phantasmagorical” is defined as something having a fantastic or deceptive appearance like something in a dream or created by the imagination. Bechtler is making a strong statement with her work on being aware of oneself and simultaneously the universal flaws of human nature. Existence can be quite dynamic, constantly shifting and changing, sometimes with a particular purpose and other times utterly inexplicably. One must either choose to see the beauty in transformation or see it as a dark cautionary tale on how nothing is what it seems at first glance.
Photo of Regine Bechtler and Irina Tashkova at The New Gallery of Modern Art’s Exhibit of Phantasmagotical Shape Shifters
