In an article for the Italian art magazine Exibart, art historian Serena Bedini praises the sculptures of artist Christopher Jörg Schlesinger
"Sculpture undoubtedly finds a sensual and fascinating expression in the work of Austrian artist Christopher Jörg Schlesinger, a wood sculptor who explores themes such as the present, flight, search, and balance. In doing so, he often transforms massive, living tree trunks into surprisingly delicate and elegant forms that move freely and lightly through space. This is beautifully evidenced in 'Lifelines,' a female silhouette crafted from walnut wood, where the natural tones of the timber underscore the vital tension with remarkable expressiveness.
Also on display at the Biennale are the two works 'Add Some Heart' and 'Provoking,' which were created specifically for the theme of the exhibition. They capture the contrast between darkness and light in an original and provocative way. Reflecting on his work, the artist explains: 'Anyone who wants to understand me only needs to look at the wood I have sculpted, felt, and deeply absorbed, for it reveals everything my soul had to say at that moment.'"
Christopher Jörg Schlesinger was born in Gmunden in 1971 and now lives in Schwanenstadt, Upper Austria.
As a trained sculptor and sculpting for 35 years, he pursues his work to give appropriate space to his desire for creation, spiritual liberation, artistic expression, and physical labor.
Each of the sculptures is made from local trees. These trees are living history, as some are over 100 years old.
Thus, trees, some of which weigh over a ton, often create delicate, seemingly very fragile pieces. Many of his works are about flow, escape, search, and balance in life.
"In this process of creation and making, it is possible to step out of the real world and immerse yourself in a parallel world. In this world, only one's own rules and the creation process, which brings with it a very specific dynamic of ups and downs in the engagement with the respective sculpture and the trunk from which it emerges, are reality," says Christopher Schlesinger.
Various exhibitions in galleries and residencies in Italy, Germany, England, Germany, and Canada.
