THOMAS NIGGLSCHWEDISCHE GESICHTER16.09 - 22.09.1976

Galerie S:t Petri
S:t Petri Kyrkogata 5
Lund – Sweden
046 / 14 78 00

THOMAS NIGGL from West Germany presents from 16–22 September 1976 a “painting” at Galerie S:t Petri consisting of many small parts that together form a whole.
The exhibition is titled Schwedische Gesichter (Swedish Faces), referring to Swedish conditions.

The artist works from certain basic materials — food, water, and a TV set — and with the help of these components builds images in the exhibition space.
During the first three days, Thomas Niggl himself will create the material.
After that, visitors will be able to experience the relics.

For many years, Niggl has worked with action art and painting.
Originally from West Germany, he has in recent years also lived in Holland, Scandinavia, and Mexico, participating in various cultural contexts.
In 1969, he began publishing books, pamphlets, and small prints under the publishing name Omnibus News.
The goal of the edition is to build an international family, an independent, international information system.
Alongside these activities, Thomas Niggl is also engaged in architectural projects.

“In art, I liberate myself,” says Niggl, “and perhaps, in a certain sense, can thereby lead others toward liberation.”

Thomas Niggl sees his paintings primarily as experiments.
Sometimes they can be regarded as practical philosophy.

“The paintings are states (Zustand) — nothing completed, yet not a process either, but rather something emphasized through action.”

Eroticism, in a broad and vital sense, plays an important role in his work.
He believes that this may be the main motive for all creation.
Eroticism can be described as radiation, complex emotion, tension between people — but also between an image and a person.
In this process, both artist and viewer are engaged in the act of creation.

The exhibition in Lund is his first solo exhibition in Sweden.
At Galerie S:t Petri, however, he has previously taken part in an “event” in Christmas 1975, together with Mette Aarre and the sheep.

The exhibition is open weekdays 3 p.m.–8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 12 p.m.–5 p.m.