Kalo Mina in June presents new "Fehlstellen" (faults) by steffenschöni. The artists were inspired by the findings in the Mosaic Museum in Istanbul. 

 

A fault defines a spot, where a piece of the original mosaic is missing. Replacements–original look alike or apparently different–are inserted by experts when the mosaic is undergoing restoration. Steffenschöni put these replacements into the focal point of the series. The cheap construction material Styrofoam serves as the basic material. The new mosaic pieces are skillfully cut by hand into pieces, painted and grouped. The new faults are absolutely fictional. The respective, original mosaic doesn't exist and hence remains invisible. These faults build a quasi-negative form–a secured background noise. What appears to be a reference to archaeological work methods is often essential in steffenschöni's practice. Findings, residuals, particles are semi-scientifically processed, conserved and put into a historical and actual context.

 

steffenschöni are Heidi Schöni and Kurt Steffen. Heidi Schöni completed her studies at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHHdK). She is a freelance artist and lecturer since 1981. Karl Steffen studied at the University of Florida and at the Illinois University. Together they live and work in Schmidshof, Switzerland. Their works have been presented in numerous exhibitions, including the Kunstmuseum Thurgau, Kunstmuseum Singen, Museum Bickel Walenstadt and Kunsthalle Arbon.