Rechts- und Wirtschaftswissenschaften I
The work "Projections" from 2011 by Professor Thomas Bechinger is an impressive mural located in the entrance hall of the Law and Economics building at the University of Bayreuth. With dimensions of approximately 7 x 7 meters, the artwork dominates the space and creates a unique visual experience for viewers.
Bechinger describes his painting as "colored light" falling into the foyer. This suggests that the artwork has a light, almost immaterial quality reminiscent of light projections. The colors, particularly the brick red, seem to glow, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
Thomas Bechinger, born in 1960 in Konstanz, has had a remarkable career as an artist and academic. His training at renowned art academies in Munich, London, and Düsseldorf has significantly influenced him. His professorships in Nuremberg, Siegen, and Stuttgart demonstrate his expertise in painting and glass design. His election as a member of the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts in 2020 underscores his significance in the art world.
The artwork "Projections" by Thomas Bechinger has elicited not only admiration but also reservations and sarcastic comments. Some viewers jokingly wondered if the painters had run out of paint while painting the wall, questioning the minimalist and seemingly unfinished aesthetic of the work. These reactions highlight the tension between everyday perception and art, which is particularly evident in this piece.
While some appreciate the subtle beauty and interaction with the space, others see only an incomplete or arbitrary arrangement of colors. This tension is characteristic of modern artworks, which often provoke and stimulate thought by challenging traditional notions of completeness and aesthetics. Bechinger's work invites reflection on the perception and interpretation of art and shows how subjective and diverse reactions to artistic expressions can be.
The fleeting and mobile quality of the painting contrasts with the static architecture of the building. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the transience and dynamism of life unfolding within an otherwise rigid and structured environment.
The "reflection of brick red" from the surrounding buildings penetrates the foyer, giving the space a warm and inviting atmosphere. This color could also symbolize the history and tradition of the university, reinterpreted through modern art.
"Projections" is a work that blurs the boundaries between painting and architecture. It creates a visual experience that is both fleeting and profound, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between art, space, and time. Bechinger's ability to use light and color to create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere makes this work a notable contribution to contemporary art.