René Stanger: Illuminating Social Realities through Art

René Stanger, a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene, has carved a niche for himself with his thought-provoking and socially conscious creations. Born in Reutlingen, Germany, in 1985, Stanger’s artistic journey took shape in the vibrant city of Karlsruhe, where he studied fine arts at the prestigious State Academy of Fine Arts.

Under the mentorship of renowned artists such as John Bock and Ernst Caramelle, Stanger honed his skills and enriched his creative foundation. His artistic approach is often associative, drawing inspiration from current political, social, and personal issues. Through a blend of collages, paintings, and objects, he sheds light on social incidents and relics, prompting viewers to contemplate the need for societal reorganization.

Central to Stanger’s work is his use of source material from diverse origins, including artifacts and references to art historical themes. This multidimensional approach adds layers of depth and complexity to his art, inviting audiences to explore the intersections between past and present, as individual and collective experiences.

Stanger’s talent has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, where his diverse and imaginative works have captivated audiences. From the dynamic atmosphere of the “Open Studios” at the larger zero platform to the immersive art festival “10 days / 10 rooms,” his exhibitions have left an indelible mark on viewers.

Beyond his solo exhibitions, Stanger is actively involved in collaborative projects that aim to foster creativity and community engagement. His participation in initiatives like the “GroßerNull” platform underscores his commitment to creating spaces where art thrives and dialogue flourishes.

#Ain’t_II_Ain’t (classic autonomous administrator).

“This work formally combines several techniques. In addition to the collage technique, a letterpress process is used here. This complementary visual layer creates a delightful interplay that can be seen as a tactile texture on the surface.

It is a very musical work. It does formally take up the classical topos of the painter with his muse. In terms of content, however, it also aims at the bidirectional situation of looking at and being looked at. No matter what the artist receives as a muse, it is ultimately a kind of self-questioning and self-observation, for which she/he needs a vehicle to be able to take a meta-level.”René Stanger

Gorgoneion proves to be a very energetic work for me. The title Gorgoneion refers to the head cut off by Perseus of the Gorgon Medusa. Whereby I understand this horror image here as a positive talisman. The third eye could stand for the emotional understanding that is inherent in every human being. It only has to be activated. Thus, the Gorgoneion watches over its owner and stimulates him/her to self-reflection. It can strengthen him positively. 

 “Unfaceable represents a situation that everyone has found themselves in. Memories seem crystal clear and distinct. But after a certain time, they disappear. Even if they were so beautiful. I.e. they are no longer imaginable, become vague, and shatter.

At the same time, the question arises for me, how this could be representable in art? You have the feeling, but you can hardly imagine it anymore. So, in a broader sense, it’s about loss and the forgetting of beloved things that slowly fade away and sometimes only appear like a cracked mirror.

To represent something like this, the technique of collage is predestined for it.”René Stanger

Without Nude No Stairs formally refers to Marcel Duchamp’s work, “Nude Descending a Staircase”.

“Whereby I see it as a statement for the further development of my understanding about it. Because when the nude becomes a dressed woman and it’s also the act of moving forward, there’s no need for stairs anymore to visualize a sequence. So it’s about dynamism and a contemporary way of moving confidently through today’s world.” René Stanger

Through his art, René Stanger challenges viewers to confront pressing societal issues and reimagine the world around them. His work catalyzes reflection and action, inspiring individuals to question the status quo and envision alternative futures. As he continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, Stanger remains a beacon of creativity and social consciousness in the contemporary art landscape.