René Wirths (*1967 in Waldbröl) has translated a wide range of three-dimensional objects into two dimensions on canvas: a paintbrush, a sewing machine, a ball, scrunched-up paper, and an assortment of chairs and bicycles. His accurate painting technique allows him to reproduce exactly what he sees. Set against a neutral, white background, Wirths’s meticulous compositions force the observer to view the object as such—The Thing Itself.The composition of the objects in relation to the canvas has been accurately thought out, the dimensions of the objects determining the format of the painting. In fact, the only thing that the artist seems to determine is the choice of format. The paintings of René Wirths play with our sense of perception, creating a feeling of alienation and singularly redefining our view of reality. Exhibition schedule: Kunsthal Rotterdam July 2–September 18, 2011