Elif Saydam: Stealth
Elif Saydam's second solo show at Galerie Rüdiger Schöttle takes us into a world that runs under the radar. The title Stealth immediately gives the visitor a feel that something remains undiscovered here or is secretly concealed beneath the seductive surface of these paintings. Inevitably, one tries to discover this world. The circular images show details of ornamental Moorish patterns, marble floors, coffered ceilings, or other architectural elements from Spanish Andalusia, but also paradisiacal plants and fruit or details of plastic products from souvenir shops that imitate classic ceramics from another era, for example. The details are mirrored and superimposed, it is difficult to distinguish between what is painted or printed, what was artificially created or actually experienced. Occasionally a hand can be seen in the background, apparently holding a mirror. The works have been decorated with painted ornaments, flowers or gilded frames on what appears to be a printed surface. Elements appear from Islamic miniature painting, which Elif Saydam has been intentionally using decoratively for some time. Convex mirrors, familiar from street surveillance or protection against shoplifting, romp in these pleasurable reflective works in the exhibition.
