Stil Lifes

In terms of motif, Dominik Mahnič is interested in objects; formally, however, what take center stage are explorations into the mechanic deconstruction of the totality of the image. Mahnič uses old and new media in search of his creative expression, constructing his paintings with the aid of sketches, photographs, and oftentimes computer tools. A quick overview of his works shows the gradual evolution of fragmentation. Initially, the composition was based on a solidly constructed group of objects. Individual objects were recognizable in themselves, painted with clearly defined brushstrokes. These were applied adjacent to one another, but not touching, with slight gaps between the edges of the same color, producing the effect of breaking down the forms, although at the same time physically still supporting them. Then Mahnič began to reduce his visual means – he started using yellow exclusively – which increasingly loosened up the structure of his paintings. This opened up the space, and the brushstrokes began working against the visual unity of objects. Elements of former objects started floating freely in weightless space, indicating their potential for mobility: not in depth, where there is nothing but void representing the transparent plane, but to the side, creating a dynamic grid of lines of force along which the eye can travel. (Alenka Trebušak)

Dominik Mahnič was born in Ljubljana in 1981. In 2008 he graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana with a degree in paintings; currently he is completing his postgraduate studies in video there. He lives in Ljubljana.