Paddling Between Two Realities

The exhibition "Paddling Between Two Realities" at Semiose, Paris, features works by Stefan Rinck that explore paradoxes rooted in the form and symbolism of his sculptures. Rinck draws from a rich symbolic heritage, referencing guardian figures and zoomorphic deities found in sacred architecture across various cultures. His work engages with this repertoire by creating totems, monumental statues, and smaller guardian figures, often blending historical styles with contemporary elements like video game characters and mascots. These pieces, while referencing sacred contexts, are de-spatialized, lacking a prescribed architectural setting and existing independently of a specific place of worship.

The second paradox concerns the aura of Rinck's sculptures. Their zoomorphic appearance and direct stone carving technique imbue them with a singular presence and historical depth. However, these figures often appear self-aware of their lack of ritualistic function, exhibiting a sense of ennui or engaging in absurd imitations of ritual. This exhibition highlights motifs of boats and crossings, symbolizing a passage between states or, as suggested by the text, between different regimes of reality. The sculptures can be seen as talismans, reflecting a societal shift from a technocratic to a more magical worldview, where the formal image of symbol and ritual remains as a means to reconnect with the world.