Paradise Lost #gender shift

The international group exhibition at the DG Kunstraum and the Karmeliterkirche in Munich reflects on the problematic relationship between Christian norms (or morals) and modern living conditions where traditional role models and attributes have eroded, and gender boundaries have shifted. The featured artworks address the profound transformation which many people associate with the demise of conventional role models and the rise of sexual self-determination.

The exhibition explores these themes with works by well-known contemporary artists such as Jana Sterbak, Valie Export and Pipilotti Rist, as well as younger, less internationally renowned artists. Photographic and video media comprise the majority of the artworks. In her photo series “Head Shots”, the artist Aura Rosenberg explores moments of ecstasy and the visible expression of sexual desire. In Sophia Süßmilch’s performances and photos, she frequently confronts viewers with beauty ideals, bodies, gender roles and social norms. Several artists make overt references to art-historical role models and pictorial traditions, such as Elina Brotherus who recreates Giorgione’s “Sleeping Venus” as a self-portrait.

The exhibition is a contemporary supplement to an art-historical exhibition by the Diocesan Museum of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. Entitled “Damned Desire! Church. Body. Art”, the Diocesan Museum is concurrently presenting works of European painting, graphic art and sculpture which explore the Church’s relationship with sexuality.

Artistic director: Benita Meißner

Artists: Yalda Afsah & Ginan Seidl, Jutta Burkhardt, Cihan Cakmak, Rineke Dijkstra, Valie Export, Alicia Framis, Katharina Gaenssler, Harry Hachmeister, Julia Krahn, Cyrill Lachauer, Benyamin Reich, Pipilotti Rist, Aura Rosenberg, Thomas Ruff, Tejal Shah, Pola Sieverding, Jana Sterbak, Sophia Süßmilch, Susanne Wagner