Austrian painter Tobias Pils is currently presenting his largest exhibition to date at Vienna's Museum of Modern Art (Mumok), featuring a comprehensive display of works created over the past decade. The exhibition, mysteriously titled 'Shh,' spans two floors of the prestigious museum and offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into the artist's evolving creative journey.
Pils, who worked exclusively with drawings until 2005, made a significant transition when he felt constrained by the medium's limitations. According to the artist, he acquired canvas and brushes to expand his artistic expression, marking a pivotal moment in his career development. This shift opened up new possibilities for his creative output and allowed him to explore different techniques and styles.
During a guided tour of the exhibition, Pils revealed that 'Shh' should not be considered a retrospective but rather a preview of what's to come in his artistic journey. The enigmatic title reflects his philosophy of incorporating 'as little content as possible' into his work, suggesting a minimalist approach that allows viewers to form their own interpretations.
The exhibition showcases the remarkable diversity of Pils' work from the last ten years, presenting a striking contrast between different artistic approaches. Visitors encounter abstract black-and-white canvases created on the floor alongside figurative paintings in full color that were crafted at an easel. This juxtaposition highlights the artist's versatility and willingness to experiment with various techniques and compositional methods.
The variety of works displayed at Mumok leaves viewers wondering about the future direction of Pils' artistic evolution, with the exhibition serving as both a celebration of his recent achievements and a tantalizing hint at the creative possibilities that lie ahead.
