Alterations in the Current Situation
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In the vibrant art scene of Berlin, two exhibitions are captivating audiences with their unique explorations of identity, particularly queer identity. Atiéna R. Kilfas's "En Suite" at Galerie Neu, and Krys Huba's "All of these records; tell me bee" at Künstlerhaus Bethanien, are engaging viewers in thought-provoking discussions about belonging and self-discovery.
Atiéna R. Kilfas's exhibition delves into western visual traditions, archetypes, and filmic conventions, questioning the role of images in film. One intriguing aspect of the exhibition is a black-and-white silent film that becomes visible when viewed from behind a wall. The photographs in this exhibition resemble glossy magazine ads, adding to the filmic atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Huba's exhibition, part of the "Becoming B" series at Künstlerhaus Bethanien, uses Billy bookcases as elements of space-occupying installations. These bookcases, sourced from various places, are carved with signs and texts, and exhibited as latex impressions. The content of the silent film in Huba's exhibition is not revealed, but careful observation is required, as viewing the film requires the use of a smartphone to record and pause the fast-spinning headlines.
Huba's fictional figure "bee" is named in the exhibition title and is one of two people who engage in a dialogue about finding and orienting oneself in the exhibition. The artist's work often engages with themes of identity, community, and social issues, including explorations of queer identities through multimedia and visual art forms. The title "All of these records; tell me bee" suggests a possible conceptual framework related to memory, documentation, or narrative, which could intertwine with queer histories or personal storytelling.
However, without specific reviews, artist statements, or critical essays, the exact manner in which these exhibitions address queer identity remains speculative. For a thorough analysis, it is recommended to consult exhibition catalogs, gallery press releases, or interviews with the artists. These sources might provide insight into how the exhibitions address queer identity—whether through visual symbolism, queering of archival materials, or embodied narratives.
Atiéna R. Kilfas, an ars-viva Award Winner born in France in 1990 and currently residing in Berlin, works with photography, video, sculpture, and installation. Huba, on the other hand, explores subjects, paints body parts that defy binary gender categories, and sometimes resemble butterflies.
Both exhibitions are a testament to the power of art in sparking conversations about identity and belonging. Atiéna R. Kilfas's "En Suite" is at Galerie Neu until August 30, while Huba's "All of these records; tell me bee" can be seen at Künstlerhaus Bethanien.
In the context of these captivating art exhibitions, one might reflect on how home-and-garden decor could be creatively reimagined, similar to Krys Huba's use of Billy bookcases as installations. As for the lifestyle these artists portray, it's clear that Atiéna R. Kilfas and Huba challenge traditional visual traditions, archetypes, and filmic conventions, offering unique perspectives on queer identity, much like how a vibrant home decor could symbolize personal identity and self-expression.
