The strict codes of the fashion and consumer world and their communication through images are central themes of the two exhibitions by Tobias Kaspar (*1984 in Basel, lives in Rome) and Carter Mull (*1977 in Atlanta, lives in Los Angeles). At Kunst Halle Sankt Gallen the artists examine constructions of identity from different positions. Their images, films and installations enter a dialogue both spatially and in terms of content. With rearranged symbols from fashion and pop culture they reveal social mechanisms and create their own pictorial worlds. The juxtaposition of their different strategies shows that in a reality flooded with images and goods the dividing lines between art and consumption and individuality and community are permeable.
Kasper and Mull unfold a many-layered encounter with subcultures and pictorial realities with almost diametrically opposed artistic languages and strategies which enter into a promising dialogue at the Kunst Halle.
In contrast to Kaspar’s sober aesthetics, in «The Princess is Caged in the ©» Carter Mull confronts visitors with a dense installation made up of paintings, light sculptures hanging from the ceiling, a video and thousands of loose sheets of paper which inundate the floor. Gaudy colours, logos, typography and screenshots from online shops for hipsters characterise the detailed pictorial material. With this Mull questions the status and production of goods and consequently art. In the process various social systems and forms of expression and dissemination conflate - analogously to the networked postmodern world. Mull’s main interest is the relationship of the individual to community. In particular he focuses on the way in which identities are constructed with brands and other cultural symbols. The American artist creates picture puzzles which enable new relations between highbrow and pop culture and give an insight into his perception of the convoluted world.
P.S. From 17 to 22 June Kunst Halle Sankt Gallen is a special guest at the LISTE Art Fair in Basel, where it is showing an offshoot of the two exhibitions.
Opening Carter Mull, Tobias Kaspar: Fri, 25 April 2014, 6 m.p.
Guided Tours: Tues, 29 April 2014, 6.30 p.m.; Sun, 13 July 2014, 3 p.m.
Art Lunch: Thurs, 15 May 2014, 12 p.m.
Art Snack: Wed, 28 May 2014, 12.30 p.m.
Drawing Afternoon for Children: Wed, 25 June 2014, 2 p.m.
Workshop for Families: Sun, 29 June 2014, 2 p.m.
Carter Mull (*1977 in Atlanta, US) studied at the California Institute of the Arts (2000-2006) and the Rhode Island School of Design. Today he lives in Los Angeles and New York. Solo exhibitions (selection): Marc Foxx, Los Angeles, US (2013); T&S, New York, US (2011); Rivington Arms, New York, US (2007); Champion Fine Art, Los Angeles, US (2005). Group exhibitions (selection): Jessica Silvermann Gallery, San Francisco, US; United Artists Limited, Marfa, US; Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, US (2013); Daegu Biennale, Seoul, KR; Venice Beach Biennale, Venice, US; Museum of Modern Art, New York, US (2012); The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, US (2011); Gagosian Gallery, New York, US (2008).
«The Air on the Way to the Oyster» is supported by Erna und Curt Burgauer Stiftung and Abteilung Kultur Basel-Stadt. Special thanks to Istituto Svizzero di Roma.