Adalbert Gans
The Alchemist of Light and Emotion
Adalbert Gans, born in 1970, navigates life with an inimitable spirit, eschewing conventional labels and boundaries. He resists the term “artist,” preferring instead to describe himself as a “soul discoverer.” This unique perspective permeates his work, which transcends traditional definitions of art to create immersive experiences of light and color. Gans’ creations are born from an intuitive process, driven by a deep emotional engagement with his materials and the act of creation itself.
Gans’ early fascination with transformation processes, such as melting and solidification, laid the groundwork for his artistic journey. As a child, he would spend hours in his garden, captivated by the melting of plastic bags. This early curiosity evolved into a profound exploration of Murano glass, drawing on his Austrian and Venetian heritage. The rich traditions of Murano glassmaking have deeply influenced Gans, though his approach remains wholly his own.
A cosmopolitan at heart, Gans embodies a restless, exploratory spirit. He has wandered the world, absorbing experiences and drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and landscapes. This nomadic lifestyle has imbued his work with a sense of universality, free from geographical or cultural constraints. His art reflects a boundless love for life, an eagerness to discover, and a relentless pursuit of new experiences, people, and emotions.
Gans’ artistic process is one of continuous experimentation and transformation. Starting with raw materials, he manipulates them with pipettes, brushes, and ink rollers, applying and reapplying paint and epoxy to create intricate, multi-layered compositions. His works are not premeditated; they emerge organically, layer by layer, as he engages with the materials. This process results in three-dimensional illusions that invite viewers to explore new spatial experiences.
Light plays a crucial role in Gans’ work, serving as an additional “color” that enhances and elevates his compositions. His light sculptures and paintings blur the boundaries between dimensions, creating a dynamic interplay of shapes, contours, and abstract, organic forms. This interplay generates a sense of freedom and expansiveness, transporting viewers to what Gans describes as a “no man’s land” where they can glimpse the intensity of his mind and soul.
Gans’ work is characterized by a profound emotional resonance. He aims to evoke wonder and curiosity, encouraging viewers to engage with his creations on a deeply personal level. “What I try to do is make ‘wonder’ tangible in universes of light and color and then let it go,” Gans explains. “My own feeling or intention during creation does not matter: Freedom of thought is precisely about disconnecting the creator and the viewer.”
This philosophy is reflected in the way people interact with his light sculptures. Viewers are drawn to his works, regardless of age or background, compelled to stop, look closely, and touch. For Gans, this interaction is the ultimate recognition of his art. “Watching people experience my work is the best recognition,” he says.
Gans’ polychromatic universe serves as a catalyst for free thought, offering a respite from the practical realities that often overwhelm humanity. His creations function as a bridge between the tangible and the intangible, balancing the physicality of his materials with the ephemeral nature of light and emotion. Through his work, Adalbert Gans invites us to explore the depths of our own souls, to experience the world anew, and to find wonder in the interplay of light, color, and form.
