THE LITTLE WINE YEAR
By Bernd Lehmann
Bernd Lehmnann presents his new major literary-graphic project on the theme of
Rilke and Wine
"A real wine taster no longer drinks wine but tastes its secrets," as Salvador Dali once put it. The new collected edition "Das kleine Weinjahr" (12 limited original etchings with classic wine motifs, verses from Rilke's poetry and portraits of the poet) by the internationally renowned artist Bernd Lehmann uncorks these secrets without destroying the fascination surrounding wine but paying homage to the enjoyment of good wine (and art) and to the passion of the moment. Gourmet magazines, wine-growers' cooperatives and scientific institutions declared their interest in the project as soon as the media had spread the word. And so readings on the subject of wine, poetry, fact and fantasy are currently being planned, as well as exclusive presentations at wine-tasting events and permanent exhibitions.
For the North-German artist aesthetic perception is not restricted to looking and seeing. It covers all the senses, as is shown in his powerfully conceived etchings on the topic of wine. They ooze the personality, structure and fragrance of wine, to which the grapes give their freshness. What the beholder finds in his pictures is not art per se, but the joys of life enhanced by beauty. Comparing them with tasting and enjoying wine suggests that appreciation and knowledge of art are not necessary when art truly comes from the heart - it provides us with a sense with which to recognize whether the vintner has kept to the rules of the art of wine-making. We can taste the wine without knowing the rules. The same applies to poetry, painting and in particular to Lehmann's graphic art. It contains that kind of reality-mellowing essence without which life seems stale.
The new edition is a continuation of Bernd Lehmann's graphic Rilke cycle "Dir zur Feier" (16 original etchings with a rose and poetry theme). It is presented in a bibliophile book-type case lined with velvet. The texts printed on handmade paper were written by Dr Alexandra Hildebrandt, a literature historian and the head of internal communications at the globally operating HeidelbergCement group (Central Europe West). Lehmann conceived this latest wine project together with her and she also wrote the preface. For her Rilke radio play "Von einem, der die Steine belauscht" (to be broadcast on 23 May 2003 by SWR 2 in the programme "vor Mitternacht" at 23.00 hrs) Lehmann designed the CD cover for the recorded broadcast. Dr Hildebrandt's essay of the same name was published in March this year together with Lehmann's etchings in the exclusive magazine "Literatur in Bayern" edited by Prof Dr Dietz-Rüdiger Moser (University of Munich).
The public's response to his major literary-graphic projects is remarkable. After his first edition featuring the natural scientist and romantic poet Adelbert von Chamisso, literary experts immediately became aware of his work at the Frankfurt book fair. Since then, yearbooks and specialist magazines have publicized his work. They include "Athenäum. Jahrbuch für Romantik", "Studia austriaca" (Milan), "Literatur in Bayern", "Rabenflug" and "Campos".
He is especially fascinated by the theme of wine and Rilke: "It is as if Rilke's poetry constructs a road through all countries of the world connecting every vineyard and breaking up the ancient stone underfoot. Rilke teaches us to observe and to read the signs of nature.
Weitere Informationen: http://www.bernd-lehmann.de
The artist
Bernd Lehmann, born in 1950, is living in Germany in the countryside
near Hamburg. He is a freelance artist since 17 years now. Before it he
worked for several companies in Hamburg and its surroundings as
lithographer.
In a very sensitive and empathic way he brings out the deep characters
of his illustrations. Their charisma may touch the contemplators soul.
His style is a composition of realism and impressionism.
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