Recent exhibitions in various galleries have showcased innovative approaches to architecture and structural themes, reflecting on the intersection of art and the built environment.
In Alexandra Bircken's exhibition titled "Gebrochenes Pferd" (Broken Horse), the artist examines the structural systems underpinning Western economic dominance through the dissection of animals and machines. One notable piece is a life-sized toy horse, split and laid on the gallery floor, symbolizing the lost prowess of horses replaced by machines in industry and warfare. Another work features a disassembled Audi V10 combustion engine, emphasizing themes of abandoned power.
Olivia Erlanger's exhibition "Fan Fiction" explores the closed systems of domestic spaces, using ceiling fans adorned with oversized butterfly wings to reflect architectural elements of the gallery. The installation critiques the illusion of functionality in everyday objects, while the accompanying short film recontextualizes household appliances as potential threats, challenging perceptions of domesticity.
Jasper Marsalis's exhibition "\m/" features a wall of LED screens displaying distorted images of gallery visitors, prompting reflections on observation and presence within the space. His sculptural works, which incorporate bowling balls and disco balls, further explore themes of visibility and attention in the context of modern society.
These exhibitions highlight how contemporary artists are engaging with architectural themes, questioning the roles of structures in our lives and the societal implications of their designs, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of human experience in relation to the built environment.