Robert
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In his work, Robert Gschwantner investigates the unstable relationship between natural forces and human intervention. His interests are European landscapes that have been fundamentally changed by the presence of man for economic, ecological or political reasons, either through industrial accidents or pollution.
Hand-woven carpets and "oil paintings" are made from PVC tubes containing crude oil, sludge or water. These liquids are collected from water-landscapes like islands, canals or lakes that have been designed or reshaped according to man-made functions and aesthetics. The water conserves the architecture of these artificial landscapes enabling them to retain their unusual form for centuries or thousands of years. As part of the artwork the water is both material and a relic of the original landscape. These wall-mounted works are exhibited in combination with photographs, videos and drawings related specifically to each project. Robert's work has been exhibited worldwide and has been featured in many public and private collections. |