Kunstverein Friedrichshafen begins the year 2017 with two young artists from Switzerland. The exhibition “phaenomenae materiae. A Dialogue” by Brigham Baker (USA/CH) and Esther Mathis (CH) presents works that artistically explore phenomena from nature and everyday life, without losing their sensuality and poetic quality. The exhibition title “phaenomenae materiae,” a newly coined term, describes the shared interest in discovery that connects both artists.

From their first encounter, the potential of a dialogical exhibition between the two became clear: a mutual fascination was evident in the immediate understanding of each other’s artistic work. Despite different approaches and forms of expression, a lively and productive exchange developed. The exhibition draws on both the similarities and contrasts in their work to foster a constructive dialogue, in which both bodies of work benefit from the richness of the other.

Esther Mathis (*1985) began her artistic career in photography. Building on her sharp observational eye, she creates a multifaceted body of work that includes not only photography but also video and installation. Her sensual spatial arrangements and image compositions unfold an immediate poetic effect and offer viewers a broader perspective on phenomena in our environment.
Brigham Baker (*1989) takes a playful approach to everyday and natural materials, often using them to create installation-based works. With a radical curiosity, he investigates his surroundings and invites exhibition visitors to take part in his unconventional research through his works.

A central idea of the exhibition concept is that “phaenomenae materiae. A Dialogue,” despite the exploratory nature of both artists’ practices, is firmly rooted in the field of contemporary art. In contrast to scientific inquiry, the exhibition does not aim to explain or rationalize our surroundings, but rather to open up new perspectives and create space for further, independent reflection. Alongside the artistic investigation of natural and everyday phenomena, the exhibition focuses on the interplay between natural conditions and human interventions.
In the exhibition, large-scale installations are combined with photographic snapshots, resulting in a vivid and diverse overall arrangement.
For Brigham Baker and Esther Mathis, “phaenomenae materiae. A Dialogue” is their first joint exhibition project.

Curator: Julian Denzler