André Butzer

André Butzer at Max Hetzler Gallery, London: A Journey Through Colour, Form, and Expression

André Butzer at Max Hetzler Gallery, London

The Max Hetzler Gallery in London is hosting André Butzer’s third solo exhibition in the city, featuring a series of seventeen compelling new paintings. This display captures the profound maturity of an artist who has seamlessly fused European Expressionism with the energy of American popular culture. Known for his distinctive style, “Science Fiction Expressionism,” Butzer’s work pushes boundaries, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of human existence and the interplay of abstraction and figuration.

 

About André Butzer

Born in Stuttgart in 1973, Butzer has built a unique visual language that resonates across cultures. His art incorporates elements of historical movements, drawing from figures such as Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse, while integrating modern cultural influences like Walt Disney. This interplay results in a fantastical world populated by cartoonish figures, with oversized eyes, hands, and exaggerated forms that strike a delicate balance between humour and existential weight.

Butzer’s earlier works are known for their intense black compositions, the N-Paintings, which explore the darker aspects of human experience. However, his recent output, particularly following a creative period in California, bursts with vibrant colour and dynamic energy. These works reflect the artist’s profound engagement with light, nature, and the fundamental power of colour.

André Butzer at Max Hetzler Gallery, London

New Works on Display


The exhibition showcases Butzer’s latest exploration into the dynamics of form and colour, moving beyond the confines of traditional representation. His Synthetic Paintings challenge perceptions of the human condition, presenting figures intertwined with elements of technology, alluding to themes of destruction and renewal. These works highlight the fragility and resilience of the human spirit, offering a poignant commentary on contemporary existence.

In a striking evolution of his N-Paintings, Butzer introduces colour into compositions once dominated by light and shadow. The vibrant hues reflect a renewed sense of possibility, creating layers of meaning that invite the viewer to delve beyond the surface.

The Power of Colour and Light


Central to this exhibition is Butzer’s masterful use of colour. His works from 2023 feature primary tones—red, yellow, and blue—interspersed with softer flesh hues. These brushstrokes create a dazzling interplay of contrasts, forming a rhythmic dialogue between elements on the canvas. In Untitled (2023), for example, a figure in red robes is surrounded by radiant yellow and deep blue tones, evoking celestial imagery and a sense of otherworldly transcendence.

The exhibition at Max Hetzler Gallery reaffirms Butzer’s position as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. Through his innovative approach, he challenges audiences to reconsider the power of colour, the depth of emotion, and the infinite possibilities of artistic expression. This captivating showcase runs at Max Hetzler Gallery, London, offering a unique opportunity to experience the latest evolution of André Butzer’s extraordinary artistic journey.

All images from André Butzer at Max Hetzler Gallery, London, November 2024. Taken by Lougher Contemporary

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