The title of the exhibition “Verharzungen”, a german expression for resinification of resin-like substances, refers to a common principle of the artistic practice of Yana Tsegay and Max Negrelli. What was formerly fluid becomes solid in the process of resinification. Nevertheless, change remains constant and the plural in the title refers to this: “Verharzungen”. Even if an object appears solid and closed, it continues to experience material changes as well as new meanings through the way we look at it and the value we attach to it.
Max Negrelli and Yana Tsegay are involved in the development of materials that they pick up partly accidentally and sometimes deliberately. Their artistic work is based on research on historical topics, such as "The Amber Room", armors or museum of local history which they stubbornly processes in pictures, objects and installations. Both artists are not interested in uniqueness. They prospect for what is left of the idea of art, as it was once formulated by modernity, in the 21st century and how art can find new ways.
Their art pieces ask more questions than they provide answers. How does the material work? What influence do the artists have? What role does the past play in the development of artist identities today? Where do we start and what do we sink into the realm of oblivion?
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