May 17 - June 22, 2024

Johanna Riplinger
Oksana Sokolova

Traces of Nature

Duo Show

In the fascinating world of Oksana Sokolova and Johanna Riplinger, we encounter a profound examination of the traces we create – whether consciously or unintentionally. Every living creature, be it from the plant or animal world, leaves its mark on its surroundings. From territorial markings to subtle signals of communication, nothing happens without leaving its traces, which linger in time like echoes.

For Oksana Sokolaova, boundaries are the starting point of her artistic journey. She explores the dynamics between authority and nature by putting herself in the role of a dictator who tries to set boundaries for the snails she uses as subordinates. At first, the conformist behavior of some of the snails may seem disturbing, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that only the dead have not crossed the boundaries.

Johanna Riplinger, on the other hand, plays with the traces of nature by drawing directly from plant-based dyes. As a fashion designer, she has been working with fabrics that surround and protect us since childhood. Her installation focuses on the human being and challenges the audience to redefine the boundaries between artwork and viewer. Are they invitations or barriers? These questions leave room for individual interpretation and reflect on the complexity of moral choices and the nature of human existence.

The exhibition invites a profound reflection on the boundaries that surround us – physical, mental and moral. In a world that is often trapped in black and white thinking, it opens up a space for nuanced consideration and encourages us to rethink our own moral principles.

When is it justified to respect boundaries and when is it necessary to cross them? What traces do we want to leave behind as individuals and as humanity? These questions are at the heart of the exhibition and prompt us to reflect on the limits of our own beliefs and actions.

Events

Vernissage
Friday, 17 May, 18:00

Exhibiting Artists

Johanna Riplinger

Johanna Riplinger, designer out of passion, German and American by nationality, chose Paris as her home for a period of some 15 years to exercise her profession. In the centre of this beautiful city she designed contemporary collections addressed to the woman with style and global orientation. 

With her very personal vision of fashion, Riplinger is convinced of the fundamental link between respect for nature and humans, respect for the image of womanhood, and the importance of encouraging manual and artistic talents. Drawing her inspiration mostly from Nature, the collections reflect this love of nature not only in the working methods and sustainable choices but also in the visual concept of the collection. 

A few years ago, she returned to her home town of Tübingen, Germany where she continues to designing fashion collections as well as expanding into the artistic disciplines by creating artistic installations.

Oksana Sokolova

Oksana Sokolova, a French-Russian trans-disciplinary artist, integrates her architectural and fine art education into her work, employing various media like photography, installation, and painting to delve into societal challenges, historical shifts, and individual actions. 

Her projects seamlessly meld social critique with conformity and inner conflict. In her primary domain of exploration, Oksana delves into architecture as a conduit for transcending history and the narratives it carries, while also exploring the transformative power of time on physical structures. 

She meticulously studies the enduring “Skins” of ancient buildings, extracting and synthesizing the stories they hold, transforming them into intricately crafted works of art.

Catalogue

Oksana Sokolova

8 Days of Power

2024
Mixed Media on Paper, Framed, Audio

each 45 x 37 cm

Audio in French: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8

Transcript in English (pdf)

Oksana Sokolova

In the footsteps of Rousillion

2023
Triptych, fresco on wooden panels with snail traces
each 110 x 50 cm

Oksana Sokolova

Imagine tour landscape I

2024
Water, pigment and ink on watercolor paper on wood panel
35 x 24 cm

Oksana Sokolova

Do not cross

2023
Pigment and Fine Art Print on Canson
Edition of 8 + 2 APs

Oksana Sokolova

Don' get out of your box

2023
Triptych, acrylic on wooden panels, plaster snails’ sculptures, dammar resin
each 40 x 30 cm

Oksana Sokolova

Rouiller

2023
Fresco on wooden panel, rust
60 x 50 cm

Oksana Sokolova

Crucifixion

2023
Fresco on wooden panel, iron nails, rust, framed in oak
110 x 70 cm

Johanna Riplinger

Installation Evolving Presence

2024
Mixed media, organic fabrics plant dyed, kimono, water
approx. 200 x 360 x 150 cm