Peppi Bottrop
Dream on

Published on the occasion of the exhibition Peppi Bottrop, Dream on, Sep 3rd – Oct 15th, 2022, at Sies + Höke. [...] In comparison to earlier series of works, the paintings currently exhibited under the title Dream On at Sies + Höke show an increase in depth. They are more open and fragmented. The formerly prominent ocher and red tones have completely disappeared. Bottrop’s color palette has been pared down. His canvases were executed with charcoal, graphite, soot, and acrylic paint. The deployed painting equipment includes hardware store brushes attached to broomsticks, spray bottles, and fired twigs. The 9 use of soot is particularly fascinating. Besides other black tones, it makes an even deeper impression. An abysmal black hue cracks open, seeming to reach into great depths like a coal mining shaft. Looking at it feels a bit like peering into the twilight, but without losing any contrast. [...] Text excerpt: Forest of the distant future; Boris Pofalla