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Painting (MA)

László von Dohnányi

László von Dohnányi (b.1990) is an artist from Hamburg, Germany. He graduated with a BFA from the Ruskin School of Art at the University of Oxford in 2012 and also holds a BSc in Architecture from University College London (2015). László now lives in London where he is currently shortlisted for the Abbey Scholarship, at The British School at Rome. He has exhibited in London, Oxford, Hamburg, and Berlin, the most notable being his solo show AKZEPTANZLÜCKE at Galerie Kai Erdmann (Hamburg, Ger).

Degree Details

School of Arts & Humanities

Painting (MA)
László von Dohnányi

I think of painting as a technology; I am fascinated by the digital aesthetics of technologically-generated images. In my work, I explore the reciprocal influence between these technological images and painting. My process starts in the digital format; sourcing virtual 3D models from the Internet and using architectural modelling softwares to distil the data down to forms and shapes that resonate with me.

Central to my practice is the notion of remediation; the concept that new media transform and refashion prior media forms. Remediation is a defining characteristic of new digital media because it is constantly remediating its predecessors. When an older media in turn adopts features of a more recent media, it is referred to as retrograde remediation.

I explore retrograde remediation by incorporating characteristics and features of CGI (computer-generated imagery) back into my paintings. I think of the CAD file selection process as a form of ‘digital cannibalism’ - digesting the virtual world - consuming these digital objects by retrograde remediating VR, with its artificial realism, hypermediated interfaces, ultra-sharp edges and aesthetic over stimulation back into painting.

By mixing references to an older pictorial tradition with those of cutting-edge 3D digital-modelling tools, my paintings operate at the intersection between digital and analogue image creation. I think of my painting process as a technological mimesis. When painting, I follow rules and algorithms that mimic the idiosyncratic characteristics associated with the technological creation of images. I am interested in how technology can be utilized as a crutch for the mind; informing and assisting the different decision-making processes. This systemization of the painting process aims to inject elements of unpredictability and complexity into the paintings.  

A tree with many branches and branches
A tree with many branches and branches
Detail - (A tree with many branches and branches)
Detail - (A tree with many branches and branches)

Medium:

Oil on Canvas

Size:

225 x 175 cm
A white owl in a Jungle
A white owl in a Jungle
Detail - (A white owl in a Jungle)
Detail - (A white owl in a Jungle)

Medium:

Oil on Canvas

Size:

225 x 175 cm
A close up of a flower
A close up of a flower — 160 x 130 cm
A group of colorful graffiti
A group of colorful graffiti — 160 x 130 cm
A large clock mounted to the side
A large clock mounted to the side — 160 x 130 cm

Medium:

Oil on Canvas

Size:

160 x 130 cm
Installation view I
Installation view I

Medium:

Oil on Canvas

Size:

75 x 55 cm (each)
A turtle on a wire fence
A turtle on a wire fence — 75 x 55 cm
A turtle on a wire fence
A turtle on a wire fence — 75 x 55 cm
A close - up of a spider
A close - up of a spider — 75 x 55 cm
A pile of metal sticks
A pile of metal sticks — 75 x 55 cm
A pile of metal sticks
A pile of metal sticks — 75 x 55 cm

Medium:

Oil on Canvas

Size:

75 x 55 cm
Installation view II
Installation view II

60 x 45 cm // 75 x 55 cm

Medium:

Oil on Canvas

Size:

Varied
A plant with a flower
A plant with a flower — 60 x 45 cm
A group of scissors cutting a piece of paper
A group of scissors cutting a piece of paper — 75 x 55 cm
A green frog in a net
A green frog in a net — 60 x 45 cm

Medium:

Oil on Canvas

Size:

Varied
Installation view III
Installation view III

titles (left to right): 'A green frog in a net'; 'A purple and white Unicorn horn'; 'A plant with a flower'; 'A group of wires'; 'A plant with green leaves'

Medium:

Oil on Canvas

Size:

60 x 45 cm (each)