"p(a)ges"

Limerick City Gallery of Art, Ireland, 1999

Valentin Rothmaler, KUNST. (= German: Art) TAIDE. (= Finnish: Art), 1999

"Art. by Valentin Rothmaler

Exceptional artist can be counted on to produce a sizable quantity of

intelligent work deserving our special attention. But we live in a

crowded world and inevitably much of this production is neglected

and lost. Occasionally, however, an artist makes a work that is so

succinct, so apt in its context, that the work stays in the mind,

retaining its energy. Rothmaler's lifepreservers (Art.) have the vitality,

humour, and relevance that does not diminish.

There are many reasons why this particular work has unusual

concentration and force. This series is not representational, the

lifepreservers are real, functional. And the wit is direct, precise: we

know instantly that our illusions have been penetrated. For we know

that art never saved anyone or anything: if that were possible humans

would have been saved from their vanities many centuries ago. Art

has clearly failed to improve the human moral and spirital condition.

In fact art often serves as an excuse for pretentious displays of greed:

works of insight reduced to collector items, emblems of power.

Societies throughout history have featured their art to bolster their self

esteem (and their tourist industry). It is a currupt and futile practice.

Self respect is a function of respect for others, an intrinsic quality the

lack of which can not be effectively hidden behind culture. Great art

does not make us better than we are. It is absurd, for instance, to

suppose that artists can disguise the selfish cruelty and violence of our

present era, in spite of the best efforts of the world's Cultural Councils.

And yet, and yet, we continue to invest in art our irreducible hope for

healing. In the extremity of our moral failure art expresses our saving

aspiration: that by excercising our creative imaginations we will free

ourselves from our selfdestructive demons.

The paradox of Rothmaler's Art. is that. though apprently false, this 

series articulates an ultimate truth. Art cannot save. Art saves.

These brilliant art/life preservers are worth preserving."

Robert Janz

reviewing a work in the p(a)ges exhibition in the City of Limerick Gallery of Art, 1999

Zeichnung von Robert Janz, 1999

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