While most European dealers take the month of August off, or put on group shows to test out new positions and air out available works, König Galerie Berlin is presenting a solo show by one of its leading artists, the Belgian Kris Martin.
Martin’s work is pensive and earnest, often dealing with the big questions of the human condition, and the passing of time. However, whether working with modified found objects or with flawlessly produced surfaces, his body of work retains a certain lightness and openness that allows the viewer to apply personal experiences to their interaction with the sculptures and installations.
The unique yet architecturally challenging setting of the former brutalist church-turned-gallery is a perfect fit for Martin’s work. With sculptures that resemble memento mori, set on mirrored plinths that reflect their surroundings, and a photograph created by overlaying pictures of candle light taken over one year (the work is hence titled One Year), themes like ritual and the comfort they can offer are never far away.
A towering sculpture titled Angel (2016), created in wood, is impressive in both scale and detail. Showing it in the German capital also creates an intriguing connection to the golden victory column, the Siegesäule, that watches over Berlin, famous from the Wim Wenders film Wings of Desire.
See more images from the exhibition below:
Kris Martin, Miserere (2016). Courtesy König Galerie.
Kris Martin, installation view at Koenig Galerie, 2016. Photo Roman Maerz, courtesy of König Galerie.
Kris Martin, installation view at Koenig Galerie, 2016. Photo Roman Maerz, courtesy of König Galerie.
Kris Martin, Untitled (Amiens) (2016). Courtesy of König Galerie.
Kris Martin, Angel (2016). Courtesy of König Galerie.
Kris Martin, Album (2016). Courtesy of König Galerie
Kris Martin is on view at König Galerie from July 15 – August 14, 2016.