Individuality

Mathis Altmann’s Individuality (b.1987) in the Salle Poma at the Centre d’art Pasquart follows on from the one designed for La Salle de bains in Lyon, an independent space which also stands out from the context of the Salle Poma by its size: less than 20 m2. The pieces, which solicit different modes of attention, through miniaturization or even hypnotic effects, will thus present themselves in the experience of this radical change of scale.

Mathis Altmann’s work is based on a critical observation of the physiognomy of large contemporary metropolises, in particular Berlin. The artist settled a few years ago in this emblematic city of alternative culture which was then experiencing an acceleration of its process of gentrification and standardization of lifestyles induced by urban renewal plans. Altmann scrutinizes the personal and collective uses of spaces dedicated to work, housing or leisure. It registers the symptoms of a state of tragicomic confusion of desires and morals while the power of appropriation of capitalism is ever more staggering. This translates into forms that are sometimes rough, sometimes smooth, proceeding by assembling found objects, images and texts. His works are informed by economic theories and nourished by references to fashion, architecture or underground cultures.