POWERLESSNESS:1 2022

Curator: We're looking at "POWERLESSNESS:1," a mixed-media piece created in 2022 by Thomas Riesner. The immediate sense is that the materials fight with each other. It has a certain raw, unfiltered texture—quite compelling, in its own way. Art Historian: My initial impression is one of turmoil. It's almost visceral—the dripping paint, the jagged lines. A figure, perhaps human, is struggling within a web or a cage of some sort. I wonder, what does "powerlessness" symbolize here? Curator: Well, knowing it's mixed media tells us something about the artist's process. He’s layering and juxtaposing different materials, and the physical act of applying the paint—those aggressive strokes—that all adds to this feeling of struggle that you mention. It is interesting because there is a flat background and different application techniques layered on it. Art Historian: Absolutely. The colour palette, too—the vibrant blues contrasting with the bursts of crimson and the deep, dark blacks, seems intentional. Red is often used to symbolize danger or pain, and its presence here only intensifies the emotional weight of the image. Also, that central figure has no mouth, as though its voice is being suppressed, or has been removed. Curator: The layering might be symbolic as well as literal. Are we looking at physical oppression and then inner feelings, and by layering them together he might make more interesting and conflicting relationships, as the medium fight with each other. Art Historian: That could very well be. Also, that cage like object and web almost makes me think of being entombed. Or trapped in one’s own mind perhaps. The very modern interpretation. What is so refreshing here is that he seems to reject clean clear easy lines which would represent freedom and easy choices. It becomes a complex dialogue within the figure itself. Curator: And this artist clearly understands the physicality of his materials. How paint can evoke emotional responses through texture and application, this work offers a sharp reminder about the tangible effort inherent to its production and an equally clear message as an allegory of society. Art Historian: Yes, Thomas Riesner powerfully uses visual elements to communicate complex emotional and symbolic weight. Curator: This reminds me again to re-think about what society and social engagement actually requires as well. Very raw indeed.