TERRA INCOGNITA – Contemporary Perception of Landscape

With Jocelyn Catterson, Daniel Gustav Cramer, Alex Grein, Talisa Lallai, Jim Mangan, Lukas Marxt, Daniel Piaggio Strandlund und Birde Vanheerswynghels.

Nature is the origin of all life and its presentation appears to be one of the most traditional pictorial genres throughout history: the landscape. This exhibition focuses on the current trend among young artists to address the subject of landscape as precisely as possible, yet still subjectively.
In terms of historic cartography, Terra Incognita refers to places that – according to the mapmaker – had not been discovered at that time but were expected to exist. Ever since photography was invented, the 19th century’s explorers and pioneers used this new and convenient medium to document formerly undiscovered and exotic areas in realistic form. However, in the first place, the easily reproduced photos served as powerful multipliers of knowledge. It took only seconds to look at them and impart impressions, emotions and present specific situations. A kind of knowledge about foreign landscapes that was mainly derived from pictures and images was thus shaped. These days, everybody can – in real or by digital means – access just any part of the world, no matter how far away it might be. More than ever before, photos are used to present information and statements quickly. Both in media and in arts this trend becomes obvious in the discourse regarding photography.
The artists who exhibit at KIT present works that respond to this trend and call for a specific visual sensitivity. In this context, photography acts as starting point, as tool or as part of the artistic activity. The artists approach the medium in various ways. Some of the works shown are made from found footage; others are video installations or traditional photos. However, all works are characterized by a respectful approach to nature’s elemental force. In a time in which reality is frequently -designed or even artificial, they convey increased awareness. They offer the viewer possible answers to the crucial question on the relation between man and environment in the 21st century.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue in German and English that provides images of the installations.

Curated by Dorothee Mosters

The exhibition is funded by