One could consider ornamentation as the oldest form of abstract art. One can find historical formal languages, the beauty of mathematics and the play of measure and rhythm in it. Ornamentation teaches about seeing and requires a conscious use of colours. Patterns and ornaments have been developed at all times and by all cultures. Thus, ornamentation is a global art. Beyond the visual arts, including architecture and sculpture, it plays a role in music. The manifold functions of ornamentation thus call into question the separation of applied arts and visual arts in our cultural area.
As a painter, Susanne Bollenhagen has been dealing comprehensively with the subject of ornamentation for 25 years. She draws on historical ornaments, but also attempts to develop ornamentation from its inherent geometry. The illustrated lecture begins with a general overview of the meaning and perception of ornament. Afterwards, Susanne Bollenhagen presents her own artistic work.
The contribution on ornamentation is available hot off the press as a picture essay. The presentation of the publication will follow the lecture.
A lecture to the exhibition “Timo Seber. TWITCH”.