ULRICH SCHWANECKE "THERE ARE PLACES SO STILL / NOCH SIND DA STELLEN SO STILL" 1ST EDITION, ARTISTS PRESS, HARDCOVER, IN VERY GOOD CONDITION
Large oblong folio book bound in skivertex. A note from the author/artist states that this is the first part of five volumes limited to 200 copies each, to be published at twelve monthly intervals. It does not appear that the remaining parts were ever published. This book is numbered out of 200 copies signed by the artist and printed on fine quality art paper. The work comprises 4 original signed and numbered lithographs, one lithographically reproduced watercolour and text comprising one poem and two stories (in Engish and German). The graphics were printed with the help of, and in the respective studios of Bruce Attwood and Fred Schimmel.
The words: There are places so still, from one of Ulrich Schwaneckes books, epitomizes his fascination with and love for the desert, which was to become the main theme of his painting life. Not only were these apparently desolate areas filled with visual treasures, but the setting for spiritual experience. Ulrich Schwanecke (1939 2006) was born in Halberstadt, Germany and came to South Africa in 1952 as a mining recruit.
A prolific artist, Schwanecke painted continuously, even whilst studying and later during full-time employment. His first exhibition in Johannesburg was held in 1963 and his first solo exhibition followed in Germany in 1973. His works are included in many public and private collections. During his initial training, Schwanecke painted in oils as well as watercolour, but soon favoured the spontaneous and direct qualities of the latter medium. To express his experiences of dry and spacious landscape scenes, he developed unique methods of handling watercolour. He managed to convey the extreme dryness of the desert by employing a medium based on water on fluidity, spontaneity, and translucence.
