Since the 1970’s, Rolf Julius has been developing a series of aesthetic propositions relating drawing, painting, sculpture, sound, video, and silence. The artist works with simple materials (pigment, dust, ashes, terracotta or aluminum bowls, copper wire, stones, wood), different-sized speakers, video screens, and DVD players, which he assembles to create sculptures, sound objects or installations. These elements are taken apart and rearranged in various configurations, and thus over time, each work is transformed into as many compositions. A careful observer will understand the extent to which this process contributes to the continuity of a practice based on the exploration of visual and audio material, feeding off one another in an exchange of physical, aesthetic and symbolic properties. The combining of these elements expands on the idea that one can see, or touch a sound. Rolf Julius – Distance brings together works dating back to the beginning of the 1980’s. This is Rolf Julius’ first solo exhibit in Canada.
Rolf Julius – Distance is the third exhibition in the series LISTENING TO SEE conceptualised and coordinated by Montreal-based guest curator Nicole Gingras for the Goethe-Institut Montréal's NOISE AND SILENCE 2008-2009 program.
Online article: « Puissante fragilité », L'avenue du Mont-Royal, septembre 2009, par Mireille Lévesque
Concert-Performance: Rolf Julius - Music for a Wide Plain
Rolf Julius’ practice extends to concert/performances where the artist presents his explorations of sound and its relationship to the present. He is especially interested in the surface and the distance of sound, creating complex and fragile audio environments. His discography counts several CDs, distributed under various German labels. While in Montreal, Rolf Julius will create Music for a Wide Plain(Musik für eine weite Ebene), a peaceful imaginary landscape.
Presented by Minute, in collaboration with OBORO.
Talk: Rolf Julius – Conversation
Rolf Julius will discuss his art practice with Nicole Gingras. The conversation will take place in English, punctuated with excerpts of his audio work. A reception will follow.