Stephan Melzl's 'Guter Hoffnung' at Thomas Rehbein Galerie Explores Chess and Form

Stephan Melzl's latest exhibition, titled 'Guter Hoffnung,' is currently on display at Thomas Rehbein Galerie in Cologne, Germany, from September 4 to October 24, 2026. This collection of paintings delves into the evolving dynamics between bodies, objects, and their environments. In Melzl's works, everyday items take on new physical and psychological significance: rounded vases mirror the contours of women's forms, large boxing gloves seem to offer protection, and chess pieces symbolize figures whose interpretations shift based on their placement. The chess theme is prominent, with several pieces named after the game, such as 'Zugzwang,' which refers to a situation where a player must move despite worsening their position. Through this lens, Melzl reflects on how a single action can transform the arrangement of bodies, objects, and spaces.