Urban landscapes intersect with feminine grace in MAGNET Galleries exhibitions

MAGNET Galleries becomes a stage for the dual vision of photographer Rudiger Wasser in June, where the stark geometry of an urban dystopia is set against the gentle grace of a living canvas.

Wasser’s two exhibitions – JUNKSPACE and EMBRACED BY LIGHT – will be shown side by side from June 12 until July 5, with their distinct content and form, in Wasser’s words, providing “a nice contrast.”

“Side by side, viewing these will reflect the different kind of character and subject of each exhibition,” Wasser said.

On one side of the gallery will be JUNKSPACE, a collection of hard-edged urban landscapes. All mirrors, metal and glass, these “impersonal” materials are unmistakably modern, yet simultaneously devoid of unique identity.

“These pictures could have been taken anywhere in the world in any big city in Africa, in America, in Europe, even here,” he said.

“But they’re all the same, all a commercial, ‘junk’ form of architecture.”

Here, Wasser aims to question the illusion of public space in a world “increasingly shaped by market design,” with this commercialisation of space compromising “identity, memory and interaction.”

While collecting photographs for this project, Wasser experienced this firsthand, often being told to stop photographing various shopping centres his been in.

“The security people come and tap me on the shoulder and say, you can’t take photos here,” Rudiger said, adding that, when he asked why, they replied “it’s a private space, not a public one.”

This collection was inspired by the writings of Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, who takes a very dim view of chaotic, disorienting and overwhelming modern environments.

EMBRACED BY LIGHT offers relief from this harsh geometrical world, providing a far more intimate, sensitive experience.

Focusing on projections of light on the naked female body, set atop delicate satin, Wasser aims to “capture the naked female form not merely as a subject, but as a living canvas.”

Wasser’s goal here is not objectification, but empowerment – he invites the viewer to “reimagine the female body as an emotive force that interacts deeply with its surrounding.”

“It’s very different to JUNKSPACE, which is full of bling and harsh light.”

When asked why he chose these specific projects, so at odds with each other, Wasser said shape had always fascinated him, in no matter what form.

“When people go out, photographing in nature, most take phots of the birds. I don’t see the birds. I see the bushes; I see the twigs and sticks and how they form figures.”

“It’s the lines that fascinate me, it’s how I view the world.”

Both these exhibitions are focused on shape, and line, with the “chaos” of Wasser’s photos falling away when you “follow the lines,” regardless of any difference in content or message.

JUNKSPACE and EMBRACED BY LIGHT can be seen at Magnet Galleries located inside The District Docklands. The exhibitions open June 13 and features associate professor of architecture at University of Melbourne Dr Rory Hyde, who has worked with Koolhaas, the architect whose writings inspired this project.