Penumbra
Dudokdegroot, April 12 - May 17, 2025
Dudokdegroot is proud to present Penumbra, a solo exhibition featuring a series of new paintings by Marjolein Rothman.In her debut presentation at the gallery, Rothman reinterprets the classical noir-obscure motif, shedding new light on it. Penumbra showcases a series of dark-toned paintings in which light plays a central role—emerging from darkness, imbuing it with layered significance. There is no light without darkness, no black without color. Rather than embracing a bleak outlook on life and the future, Rothman highlights the interdependence of these opposing forces, illustrating their perpetual struggle for dominance. Here, light is more than an aesthetic tool—it is a vital, life-giving presence. Through her work, Rothman invites viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between light and shadow, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of existence and the beauty that arises from contrast.
The term penumbra refers to the partial shadow cast during an eclipse or when an object is only partially obscured. More broadly, it signifies a transitional zone between light and darkness, an area that is neither fully illuminated nor completely veiled. In this exhibition, penumbra carries symbolic weight: it represents ambiguity, an in-between state, evoking both an inner emotional condition and, on a larger scale, the uncertain state of the world today. Rothman explores the role of imagery within both human and political contexts, questioning how light and shadow shape perception and meaning.
The use of clair-obscur in Rothman’s paintings directs the viewer’s attention to specific elements, creating a dramatic effect that references Dutch 17th century painting. This technique not only emphasizes form and texture but also conveys emotion and atmosphere. The works in Penumbra are in constant motion—leaves emerge from the darkness, intertwining, overlapping, forming garlands, and catching the light. Rothman’s paintings are at once gestural and evocative of photography. Much like analogue photography, she captures a fleeting moment where an essence is revealed through light. Each painting is completed in a single session using fluid brushstrokes and sweeping movements that leave the physical act of painting visible—a performative gesture that freezes the image at the precise moment it comes to light.
The result is a body of work that resonates with the instability of life itself—how our perceptions, ideas, fears, and desires take shape, shift, and transform over time.