JURGIS GEČYS
The Inceptive Ground, texture volume 01

Solo exhibition
Bildraum 01, Vienna
Curated by Michaela Putz
25 October – 25 November 2022

How can one approach a landscape without naming it? In his multimedia project The Inceptive Ground, texture volume 01, presented at Bildraum 01, artist and architect Jurgis Gečys seeks to free himself from predefined knowledge of a place: its geographical designation, historical context and cartographic boundaries. The psychologist James J. Gibson asked when perception ends and memory begins (1979). Gečys reverses the question: When does memory end, and when does perception begin?

In order to lose himself within a seemingly endless landscape, the artist undertook a solo bicycle expedition along the 70th meridian west in the Southern Hemisphere, moving through dramatically changing terrains: from the driest deserts in the north, through volcanoes, lofty mountain regions, vast open plains, and surreal mirages in between, all the way to the eternal ice in the south.

Throughout these observations, Gečys focuses on expansive fragments of the structures and textures of the ground. Through visual abstraction, they take form in analogue black-and-white photographs and sculptures. At the centre of the project are his meticulous large-scale drawings, built up over years through countless individual points of ink.

The works seek to articulate the complexity of multisensory perception of both the self and the surrounding environment. Linear constellations of points evoke the visual and tactile qualities of the ground and the elemental sensations they can awaken. In doing so, they open a previously unknown space: a space in which a new identity may emerge through the encounter between human presence and nature — The Inceptive Ground.

“Drawing the landscape is both as frightening and liberating as the first step toward exploring an unknown continent. Beyond what can be measured — point by point, step by step, from a single grain of sand through texture to form and space — nature continuously shapes the ground, as well as my body and mind. Through these observations, I forgot who I was, let go of my memories and beliefs — and was able to create space for something else.”

A cooperation between Bildrecht and Vienna Art Week. A programme partnership with Rotlicht Festival. With the kind support of BMKÖS and Atelier TEJE.

English translation of the original German text by Michaela Putz.

Photograph by Eva Kelety

Photograph by Eva Kelety