This fall, Brussels welcomes the renowned artist Zio Ziegler to Almine Rech for his second solo exhibition, Reverse Paintings. Running from September 12 to November 2, 2024, the exhibition is poised to be a thought-provoking journey into the relationship between art, time, and the beauty of reduction. Visitors to Almine Rech will experience a new chapter in Ziegler’s ever-evolving body of work, one that showcases his progression from maximalist murals to refined, contemplative pieces that challenge the traditional boundaries of painting.
What to Expect: Layers of Complexity and Reduction
Upon entering the exhibition, viewers will be greeted by a collection of works that echo Ziegler’s unique approach to artistic creation. His Reverse Paintings are the product of an intense process of layering oil paint, marks, and motifs, only to later strip them back, revealing a raw, essential form that reflects both time and labor. It is a process that mirrors life itself, where the complexity of our choices, experiences, and moments is often visible only when we look in reverse.
Center Of Gravity, 2023
Oil and acrylic on canvas
187.33 x 187.33 x 6.35 cm, 73 3/4 x 73
3/4 x 2 1/2 in
© Zio Ziegler
Courtesy of the Artist and Almine Rech
Photo: Dan Bradica
Ziegler’s method is one of indulgence and restraint, as he builds up layers of rich texture and color, only to pare them down to their fundamental essence. Each work feels like a journey, with visible scars and traces of previous decisions that remain embedded in the final piece. This process of reduction, while deeply rooted in spontaneity, echoes the timeless exploration of form seen in the work of abstract masters like Piet Mondrian.
The Artist’s Perspective: Painting as Emotional Expression
When discussing the inspiration behind Reverse Paintings, Ziegler reveals a shift in his creative focus. “I’m not going after an end result, but after a process that might crystallize in a moment,” the artist explains. This desire to let go of control, to embrace the uncertainty and fluidity of creation, informs the entire body of work on display. “My exploration of painting, of what strong form is, made me re-evaluate that paintings are not aesthetic—they’re emotional,” he continues. For Ziegler, the art of painting is less about producing a finished product and more about the emotion, energy, and history that each layer of paint contains.
A Meditation on Time and Sacrifice
In Zio Ziegler’s latest solo exhibition, Reverse Paintings, at Almine Rech Brussels, the artist invites us to reflect on time, form, and the art of reduction. Running from September 12 to November 2, 2024, this collection reveals Ziegler’s evolution—an intricate process of indulgence, erasure, and rediscovery. Ziegler, a maximalist by nature, has stripped back his vibrant, chaotic style to expose the essential, influenced by the trajectory of Piet Mondrian. This transformation—rooted in years of artistic exploration—mirrors an emotional rather than aesthetic journey, echoing Carl Rogers’ belief that “the good life is a process.”
Layers of heavy oil paint, once teeming with complexity, are pared down to expose the raw, foundational core of the work, much like a tree revealing its rings. This meticulous, almost sculptural approach to painting places Ziegler’s oeuvre in a rare dialogue with the traditions of both abstract expressionism and figurative art. The Reverse Paintings embody an existential exploration, a form of visual entropy where spontaneity and calculated sacrifice converge to present a harmonious, almost primordial simplicity. These works offer not just a viewing experience but a meditation on the very nature of artistic creation, challenging us to reconsider how we perceive time, space, and narrative within art.
An Invitation to Rediscover Art
Reverse Paintings is an opportunity for viewers to witness Ziegler’s ongoing exploration of form, as well as his willingness to challenge himself and push the boundaries of his artistic practice. The exhibition is both a reflection on the nature of artistic evolution and an invitation for viewers to consider how time, sacrifice, and spontaneity shape not only art but life itself.
This fall, Brussels becomes the perfect stage for Ziegler’s latest creative journey, where every mark, every layer, and every reduction speaks to the complexity of his work. Visitors will leave not only with an appreciation for the stunning visual forms but also with a deeper understanding of the emotional and intellectual processes that fuel Ziegler’s singular vision.
