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Michail Pirgelis finds the materials and impulses for his artistic work in aviation. Pirgelis travels to aircraft graveyards, mostly in North America. He transforms the remains of the machines into sculptures and expansive works of art. Michail Pirgelis’ artistic style is just as interesting as the source material. Despite his complex transformations, the origin of the artifacts remains visible. At the same time, they assert themselves as autonomous works of sculpture and/or painting. Pirgelis’ works are original and current statements on the much-explored field between readymade and creation.
It is no coincidence that Pirgelis’ modern archaeology of civil aviation is taking place now, as its status is fundamentally changing. In the 20th century, flying was a symbol of man’s limitless technical potential and a routine of wealthy society, which was soon aptly called the “jet set.” The post-industrial age is sawing away at the pillars of this tradition through cheap flights, overtourism, a growing ecological awareness and flight shame.
The edition for Provinz “Memory Games” (2024) shows two passenger jets of the Boeing 727 type, which was very popular in the 1970s. Shown schematically and without logos, they are nevertheless recognizable as machines of the legendary airline TWA. The title and the arrangement of the aircraft deliberately aims to resemble the appearance of a playing card. The artist has been collecting historical card games for many years, which were issued by airlines to their passengers in the days of analogue entertainment. Michail Pirgelis’ choice of implementation in print graphics proves to be an apt further development of his artistic practice – homo ludens meets homo faber.
Pricing:
Editions 1-3/20: EUR 1,200 sold
Editions 4-10/20: EUR 1,600
Editions 11-20/20: EUR 2,000
Prices net, in the EU plus 19% VAT.
© Michail Pirgelis
Courtesy the artist and Sprüth Magers
Foto: Ben Hermanni
