Hans Neleman

JULY 19 – SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

CURATED BY NORMA KRIEGER & SUSAN DAVIS-ELEY

“HISTORY ON HOLD” is an exhibition that features the captivating paintings and collages of international photographer and artist, Hans Neleman.

The notion of ‘History on Hold’ captures a moment frozen in time, reflected in the artworks of a multi-disciplinary artist who draws inspiration from the past to create meaning in the present. Through this concept, Neleman prompts us to pause, reflect, and contemplate, and in turn, invites us to look back for context and forward for purpose once we ‘press play’ again. The title cleverly references the art of photography, which resonates with the artist’s background, where the act of ‘capturing time’ is paramount. In these paintings and collages, the artist employs fragments of sensibilities from the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. The distressed effects on many of the artworks further reinforce this sense of time’s passage. Several works also feature details of sculptures from Roman times. In Neleman’s transformative artistic process, these elements are re-born, and are particularly noteworthy in his surreal assemblage creations. Speaking to the title’s broader context, his hand-torn collages provoke a discourse between abstraction and figuration and the harmony of opposites.

Overall, Neleman’s art is a testament to his creative vision and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with photography and collage. His works demonstrate the power of art to inspire and challenge us, inviting us to see the world in new and exciting ways while contemplating the impact of personal and collective history on our perception of reality.

Anderson Contemporary New York City