Birgit Brenner – “Selbst Schuld” exhibition view (2014); courtesy of Galerie EIGEN + ART Leipzig/Berlin, photo by Uwe Walter
In her current exhibition Selbst Schuld at Galerie Eigen + Art, Birgit Brenner displays just a few of the strata, neuroses, and complications of internal experience. Though the theme is not a new one in art, her unique take draws inspiration both from the thought-stream of everyday hum-drum and the universal, uncontrollable insanity of self-doubt.
The installations fill the small space, which is advantageous for getting close and examining the materials and structures of her pieces. A cockroach greets us at the top of the stairs, with its armor made of tiles of colored cardboard cutouts. This aesthetic seems to be a signature one for Brenner. The elaborate constructions and color palettes made out of such a mundane and overlooked material accentuate her deliberate statements.
Birgit Brenner – “Selbst Schuld” exhibition view (2014); courtesy of Galerie EIGEN + ART Leipzig/Berlin, photo by Uwe Walter
As the artist writes, loneliness can lead to “drifting off into another dimension.” The rest of the narration in the artist’s statement, frankly, is what we might sum up as letting yourself go. From “living in filth” to unemployment to obesity, self-blame — also the name of her show, Selbst Schuld — is the force that we all understand yet can’t seem to manage. In the main installation piece, small phrases are written on cardboard plaques sticking out from the wall, partially shielding the different layers and causing the viewer to have to stand underneath and peer up, squinting to read at the top. But instead of leaving the viewer completely forlorn, chances are there is someone nearby to consider the work with you.
Birgit Brenner – “Selbst Schuld” exhibition view (2014); courtesy of Galerie EIGEN + ART Leipzig/Berlin, photo by Uwe Walter
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Additional Information
GALERIE EIGEN + ART
Solo Exhibition – BIRGIT BRENNER
Exhibition: Mar. 13 – Apr. 19, 2014
Auguststraße 26 (click here for map)
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Blog entry by AJ Kiyoizumi in Berlin; Friday, Mar. 28, 2014.
