The Swiss painter Helmut Federle, now based in Vienna, Austria, has over the last 40 years challenged early-twentieth century conventions of geometric abstraction, transforming it from something ostensibly “autonomous,” to something layered with personal and political references. As one interpreter has noted, “One could say that Federle’s abstractions are climatical zones in which literal, poetical codes are discussed.” In the case of The Seven Doors of Jerusalem, the painting series (in which there are a total of five independent works) began with the suggestive title itself, which reflects, in part, the artist’s interest in religious traditions. The rich symbolic associations evoke both physical and spiritual entry into Jerusalem, with its multilayered significance. The number “seven” itself conjures up references of its own, alluding to the mysticism of “seven deadly sins,” and the magical power of the number “seven” more broadly. Finally, the imagery of the pentagon, used by the artist in other works as well, also opens up still other interpretations, inviting the viewer to contemplate the numerous resonances of this form.
Object Description
From: Peter Blum Gallery
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 18:15:31 +0000
To: Joachim Homann
Subject: RE: Helmut Federle
Dear Joachim,
Peter has asked me to forward the below information:
Here some responses with regard to the questions you have, not at all in the exact order you asked them but hopefully helpful:
“Seven Doors of Jerusalem III” is part of the series with the same theme (it has nothing to do with seven paintings). In fact there are five paintings with the same title each with a different number to distinguish them i.e. the painting you have is “Seven Doors of Jerusalem III”.
The formal aspect of the work is not always according to a literal title.
There is no specific text or mystic tradition that inspired the title. In fact, the artist told me that in this particular case the title came before the painting. So in a way one should see it as the paintings honoring the title. Mostly of course this is the other way around. With regard to the title, Jerusalem reflects Federle’s preoccupation with religion – in this case the old testament- and its “seven doors” opening into the city (not to be taken literally but rather symbolically). Jerusalem (the painting) can be seen as a fortress which needs to be “unlocked” to reveal its secrets. The title should be seen as a metaphoric dimension and in the context of the number 7 which is a mystical number or seen in the light of the seven deadly sins or other meanings attached to the number 7.
Federle uses pentagons in other works, not related to this series.
Again, I hope this will give you some information to use for your descriptions or illustrations.
With kind regards,
David
David Blum
Peter Blum Gallery
20 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
T: 212.244.6055
F: 212.244.6054
art@peterblumgallery.com
www.peterblumgallery.com
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From: Joachim Homann [mailto:jhomann@bowdoin.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 5:45 PM
To: Peter Blum Gallery
Subject: Re: Helmut Federle
Dear David,
Thanks for your quick note. We will be featuring "The Seven Doors of Jerusalem III" in the installation "Contemporary Masters," on view until early September. We will introduce our audiences to aspects of contemporary art rarely seen here in Maine by bringing together loans from a private collection and two New York Galleries. The works will range from Rosenquist, Kusama, and Piene to Stingel, Federle, and Mamma Anderson. I am happy to send installation shots and additional information soon.
On view for the first time, Federle's painting will be the only piece from our collection. It was given by the Alex Katz Foundation in 2011.
In conversations about the work with my colleagues several questions popped up:
• Is this work part of a series of seven paintings that are all dedicated to the "Seven Doors of Jerusalem"?
• Is there a specific text or mystic tradition that inspired the title?
• Is the use of pentagons associated with that tradition?
• How much would the artist like the viewer to know about the field of associations suggested by the title?
A first draft of a label for the gallery (see below) has raised many more questions than it answered and left my colleagues scratching their heads. I am hoping to rewrite it with a better sense of the nature of the relation between the painting and the title. I still remember seeing the first Federle painting at the Center of Arts and Media Technology in Karlsruhe, Germany, as a student. Director Heinrich Klotz championed Federle in his book "Kunst im 20. Jahrhundert." I am now very happy to share a token of the artist's work here at Bowdoin College as a curator.
Best wishes,
Joachim
HELMUT FEDERLE
Swiss, born 1944
The Seven Doors of Jerusalem III, 2010
Acrylic on linen
Gift of the Alex Katz Foundation
The Swiss painter Helmut Federle, now based in Vienna, Austria, has over the last 40 years engaged the geometric language of early-twentieth century modernism, often using his initials as a formal starting point. This reflection on the implications of the history of abstract art took an especially provocative turn when Federle based a painting on a swastika. While this and other works suggest that there is no escape from the demons of history, a mystic hope for redemption also arises. The title of the exhibited painting evokes the seven gates of the holy city of Jerusalem, built by Suleiman the Magnificent. The interlocking pentagons, lightly brushed on the coarse fibers and brightening towards thecenter, confirm this longing for release.
______________________________
Joachim Homann, Ph.D., curator
Bowdoin College Museum of Art
9400 College Station
Brunswick, ME 04011-8494
Telephone: 207-725-3064
Fax: 207-725-3762
Email: jhomann@bowdoin.edu
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From: Peter Blum Gallery
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 19:06:56 +0000
To: Joachim Homann
Subject: Helmut Federle
Dear Joachim,
It was good to speak with you earlier. With regard to our conversation, could you please send us any questions that you may have for the painting “The Seven Doors of Jerusalem III”?
Also if you could send us the information for the show – I’m sure Helmut would be happy to know.
Many thanks,
David
David Blum
Peter Blum Gallery
20 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
T: 212.244.6055
F: 212.244.6054
art@peterblumgallery.com
www.peterblumgallery.com
