AFLOAT
2023 at Projektraum modus.konzept
Through the exhibition AFLOAT, the artist Daniel Hölzl delves into the transformative journeys of carbon and water, fundamental elements of the fabric of life. Water that permeates all organisms, once intertwined with carbon, forms the foundation of life's molecular structures. The title 'AFLOAT' does not pick a side between its positive definition in the sense of staying afloat and its negative meaning of something being flooded. Instead, the title, as well as the artworks in this show, urge for convergence rather than conveying one clear message. 'Convergence' refers to the coming together or merging of different elements, ideas, or entities. Hölzl is interested in interconnected systems and the possibility of coexistence. It leads us to wonder how humans disrupt natural cycles by sourcing or fabricating materials. For instance, petroleum, derived from ancient organic matter, stores carbon and energy accumulated over millions of years, representing a fossilised record of ancient ecosystems and geological processes. However, our rate of petroleum consumption runs on a very different timescale, prompting profound reflection on our relationship with non-renewable energy and urging responsible resource management that enables coexistence.
The exhibition invites visitors on a journey that explores the intricate relationship between sustainability, temporality, and transience. Some of the key questions revolve around the transformation of petroleum into synthetic fibres such as nylon, kevlar, and, in particular, carbon fibre, which all serve as materials used for modern sail designs. In this exhibition old, damaged sails are the main material and are creatively combined with other misappropriated objects from the nautical world. In AFLOAT Hölzl exclusively shows new works which together form one big immersive installation.
Drawing inspiration from the philosophical paradox of the Ship of Theseus, which questions the identity of an object as its parts are replaced over time, AFLOAT challenges us to reflect on the notion of permanence. By incorporating sails, renowned symbols of freedom and exploration, the artist delves into the history of materials and the fluidity of their meaning. Modern sails, layers of synthetic fibres glued together with resin and therefore nearly impossible to recycle, are given new life in this exhibition.
The ecological challenges posed by our reliance on petroleum have long been evident. The overwhelming scale of the offshore oil industry is symbolised by massive oil tankers traversing the seas and it contrasts the romanticised harmonies associated with sailing. Amidst the freedom and breathtaking beauty of gliding over the ocean, an alarming reality emerges—an ever-growing presence of floating plastic waste. As we immerse ourselves in this exhibition, replete with similarly translucent and multi-layered materials, we are prompted to ponder, "Which image will stay afloat?”
Through the artistic exploration of these themes, AFLOAT can serve as a catalyst for dialogue, urging us to reconsider our reliance on finite resources and to explore our own thoughts and notions. Merely scratching the surface of the seemingly rigid systems we live in can still inspire transformative change. The exhibition encourages us to reimagine our connection with the natural world and to seek innovative solutions that harmonise human progress with ecological stewardship. By examining the intricate relationship between us and the water, carbon and petroleum, this exhibition becomes a sort of harbour—a point of departure and arrival, offering a voyage into the convergence of sustainability and artistic expression.
