Philip Topolovac

what is left of reality?

The spirits of Felix-Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Knobelsdorff and other romanticists emanate from the neighboring cemetery. Philip recently moved into this studio, but his artistic involvement into past decades has been part of his work for a longer time.

Like an archeologist he examines plots in the city of Berlin to discover relics from destroyed houses from WWII. In his studio he gathers melted bottles, cracked vessels and even a rusty Singer sewing machine, which he made run again.

For the smaller found items he builds containment units, resembling small bunkers. The "leftovers", which he calls "artefacts", thus mutate into precious items presented in reliquary shrines.

The other project he is working on is called "satellites". They look like models for huge spaceships, and are a new take on the "parasites" of some years ago. In contrast to the severe associations of the containment units, "satellites" intuit the creepy playfulness of a grown up child. We have some of those pieces in our collection and I have always been asking myself: "How is a hulk like Philip capable of doing such compartmentalized work?"

What is it about your studio space that inspires you?

It has a good size, nice and quiet; there is a huge library nearby; also the light is great with the windows facing north.

What sounds, scents and sights do you encounter while in your studio?

Depends on what I am doing.

What is your favourite material to work with? How has your use of it evolved throughout your practice?

Besides sculpting and building things, drawing is important. I am also interested in  rapid prottyping techniques and 3D printing.

What themes do you pursue?

I am generally interested in the interpretation and perception of reality. A lot of my works relate to fields like geology, technology, scifi or history

What advice has had the biggest impact on your career?

Inspiration exists, but it should meet you working- I think it is a quote by Picasso...a bit cheesy I admit - but still true

If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?

I go with „Turmbau zu Babel“, 1563 from Pieter Breugel the elder

What are your favourite places besides your studio?

Construction sites, wastelands etc. spaces, that are off the grid in an in urban context. This is where the fabric of reality becomes visible.

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