(New Orleans, LA) JONATHAN FERRARA GALLERY is pleased to present Schattenspringer / Shadow Jumpers, the premiere solo exhibition of UK-based, Austrian artist Barbara Kuebel. Presenting thirteen new and recent works on paper, her ongoing series of woodcut prints explore the dimension of identity and the transformation of the idea of “me”. Hailing from a family where diversity has been discussed (and not defined) she wants to start from a point where the body is not specifically bound to the first-person experience. Moreover, the artist explores the idea of expanding one’s existence based on ideals of external forces – specifically found in nature, love, desires, or boundaries. These representations embody something that one may learn from or find freedom with. They are not formulated by rules or morals but should become a body of ideas not accessible through normative ways of thinking.

Kuebel says of the exhibition . . .

Shadow Jumpers describes an instant oscillating state of mind and perception. The image of a shadow (Schattenbild) and the idea of its origin is an important key in how to uncover social structures and patterns. Shaped by oppositions, people need to engage in new possible ways to find representations for themselves without being primed.

Inspired by awkward and uncomfortable social situations, Barbara Kuebel creates life-sized woodcuts that serve as a whole-body experience to the viewer. Although the monochromatic colors virtually pop from the paper, her aim is never to draw attention away from the monumentality of the picture. The creatures in Kuebel’s work are forced to connect with each other, forming knots and shapes that appear deformed at first glance. Freeing herself of the conventional techniques of woodcutting, Barbara Kuebel emphasizes her resentment towards traditional artistic representations. The figures are pioneers for the emancipation of traditionally accepted artwork. With the freedom to be whoever you want to be, the bodies on the pictures are nowhere near realistic. The contemporary view to realism is questioned as the figures on the canvas transform from the moment they are born. The bodies are uniquely intertwined, reflecting whichever fantasy the viewer sees fit. Much like the artwork, the audience is presented with a deep sense of individuality, possessing the ability to undergo indefinite change, and escaping the rigid constructs of society.

The exhibition will be on view from 19 July through 26 August 2023 with an opening reception on Saturday 5 August coinciding with the Arts District of New Orleans’ (ADNO) annual event Fidelity Bank White Linen Night as part of the monthly First Saturday Gallery Openings from 5 – 9 PM.

For more information, press or sales inquiries please contact Gallery Director Matthew Weldon Showman at 504.343.6827 or matthew@jonathanferraragallery.com. Please join the conversation with JFG on Facebook (@JonathanFerraraGallery), Twitter (@JFerraraGallery), and Instagram (@JonathanFerraraGallery) via the hashtags: #BarbaraKuebel, #JonathanFerraraGallery, and #ArtsDistrictNewOrleans.