Die Ontologie der Falte

At the center of the paintings of Mona Ardeleanu (*1984 in Lörrach) are precisely constructed, fantastic objects, which the artist herself calls "bodies". These surreal bodies, which appear organic and geometric at the same time, float freely in an indeterminate, monochrome pictorial space. Constructed of painted fabric, lace, string, or even fur, the bodies generate numerous associations, recalling, for example, flowered summer dresses or nostalgic lanterns, feathered creatures, architectural elements, or even a furry muff that warms the hands. For the structure of the objects, the clear lines of the complex draperies are just as central as the floral, geometric or even ornamental patterns of the painted fabrics and cloths. The sometimes "old-masterly" appearing meticulousness and attention to detail of the painting play with the viewer's perception: the bodies, which seem familiar to him at first glance and arouse his curiosity, turn out at second glance to be surreally encoded and to contradict logic.