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ArchiveBorn 1972 in Switzerland
Valentin Magaro’s images are elements of an imaginary world, which he constantly expands. The complexity and multitude of his work gives the impression of an archive by means of which he is grappling with a multi layered subject reminding us of a fantasy, science-fiction world.The allocation to a specific style remains uncertain for he combines various imagery traditions. Symbolically the images appear to be an anthropomorphic and floral composition, whilst the figures that seem to wriggle under the force of the genesis seem to be borrowed from art nouveau.
Often the depictions appear to be parallelistic and monumental, almost so that parallels to Hodler can be drawn; also in his technique, of maintaining an archive with hundreds of studies and preparatory sketches that are developed until a final draft is prepared is a characteristic of Hodler’s. A proximity to Hodler also exists through the dominance of the line and the comparable usage of ornaments. In some images the picture language also reminds one of the socialist realism. This and other references never appear eclectic since his connection with a variety of imagery traditions is an inexhaustible well for inspiration, which is joined with his own view of the present. Hence connections happen in his images that seem to be like visions of a future civilization, of a world in abeyance, a technology oriented society in complete unison with the living.
 Valentin Magaro, Untitled, Printed, folded paper, 19 x 22 x 19 cm, 2008. |
