La Mer 2016

Rolf Ohst painted ‘La Mer’ using oil on canvas. Here, we have a dining table after a seafood feast. The tablecloth is linen, and the light from the window drapes over its creases, adding to the atmospheric effect. Think of linen production: from the cultivation of flax to the weaving and finishing processes. The production and use of linen connects this artwork to centuries of agricultural and textile traditions. In this work, Ohst transforms ordinary materials into a contemplative scene. The artist engages with a rich history of still-life painting, while also making a statement about our contemporary relationship with food and consumption. Paying attention to the material qualities and production processes of art invites us to consider the broader social and cultural context in which artworks are created and experienced.