Driven by his interest in biology, archaeology and science fiction, Simon Goritschnig undertakes a thought experiment in Bildraum 07: in ‘Excavations from Unknown Origins’ he delves into the possibilities of alien worlds. Using isomorphism – the mathematical principle of congruence, of similarity in the most unexpected regions of the cosmos – Goritschnig combines evolutionary theory with speculation about unknown life forms.

Their origin of his speculative sculptures, whether organic or inorganic, remains a mystery at first. The objects realised using filament printing resemble fossils, whereby inorganic materiality meets organic forms. In addition, Simon Goritschnig places drawing as a shape-shifter in the course of technological development alongside computer-aided methods and their post-apocalyptic flair. His graphite frottages and ink drawings combine familiar zoological and botanical elements with fantastic structures and the familiar with moments of infinity.

Simon Goritschnig discusses the impact of human activity on ecosystems of all kinds and weaves a web of thoughts about the colonisation of space. Excavations from Unknown Origins’ encourages the viewer to take on the role of explorer: In this fictional world, created with Goritschnig’s characteristic blend of science and speculation, one becomes a foreign body that intrudes into a habitat he is trying to understand, thus inevitably changing it.

— Esther Mlenek