Franz Graf works in the rediscovered area of abstraction, and starts from a conceptual position. Light and space are central themes and constitutive elements of the drawings. Tracing paper is worked on both sides with graphite; using templates and an infinite number of small, short strokes he formulates geometric, ornamental patterns and motifs which have organic origins. The schematised drawings are mounted between two sheets of glass and joined together in tableaux, which are subject to a strict system of organisation. The light which passes through the glass constitutes a separate immaterial materiality and, being atmospheric design element, is placed on an equal footing with the drawings.

In Franz Graf’s work, the abstract and geometric formulation stand as counterpoints to the relationship to the body. A meditative series of portraits of a young woman, located somewhere between imitation and interpretation, explains the psychic state and inner intimacy of artist and model. The borders between abstraction and figuration in Graf’s work are smoothed by, above all, the system that is used to join, combine and order different elements. The economy, even modesty, of the means underlines the complexity and multi-layered nature of the artistic commentary, which is never present as a pompous drone, but as a sensitive, quiet, minimalist message – which lingers all the more because of these qualities.

Brigitte Huck, 2005 (translation: Tim Sharp)