Dittmar Viane: Eye on Eye
Forthcoming exhibition
Overview
In Eye to Eye, Dittmar Viane explores the complex relationship between humans, animals and nature. Throughout history, we have influence done another in ways that are sometimes caring and admiring, and at other times controlling or destructive. Animals have shaped how humans understand nature, belief, science, and beauty, just as human actions have shaped animal lives.
In Viane’s paintings, humans and animals face each other directly. To be eye to eye suggests equality or understanding, but these encounters are rarely comfortable. Instead, they expose tensions between care and control, admiration and responsibility.
The animals return the viewer’s gaze with strength and presence, while human figures are subtly exaggerated or placed in uncertain roles. Rendered with a light, playful touch and a hint of satire, the works balance humor with discomfort.
Eye to Eye invites viewers to reflect on their own position in this shared history, and to recognize themselves in the gaze of the other, human or animal.
In Viane’s paintings, humans and animals face each other directly. To be eye to eye suggests equality or understanding, but these encounters are rarely comfortable. Instead, they expose tensions between care and control, admiration and responsibility.
The animals return the viewer’s gaze with strength and presence, while human figures are subtly exaggerated or placed in uncertain roles. Rendered with a light, playful touch and a hint of satire, the works balance humor with discomfort.
Eye to Eye invites viewers to reflect on their own position in this shared history, and to recognize themselves in the gaze of the other, human or animal.
