Echoes

Fabien Castanier Gallery, in collaboration with Laurent Marthaler Contemporary, Miami, USA

3 December 2023 — 2 March 2024

At the heart of the Echoes solo exhibition showcased at the Fabien Castanier Gallery, a focal point emerged in the form of Simon Berger's distorted glass masterpiece. This creation marks a significant progression in his artistic exploration, delving into the convergence of sculpture and two-dimensional art, while also probing the intricacies of perspective. In deliberate counterpoint, the portraiture adorning the gallery walls beckons spectators to oscillate between proximity and distance, revealing an intriguing dichotomy. Up close, the artwork dissolves into individual fractures, only to coalesce into a cohesive motif when observed from afar. For the central distorted piece commanding the exhibition's spotlight, Simon Berger meticulously arranged hundreds of glass shards upon a "wooden canvas" positioned on the gallery floor. As viewers traverse the space, the artwork dynamically changes between presenting itself as an abstract amalgamation of glass fragments and gradually unveiling a discernible side profile of a human visage. This orchestration invites contemplation on the interplay between subjectivity and objectivity in the act of viewing art, thereby challenging the established boundaries of reality. While the two-dimensional works result from the forceful impact of a hammer upon a glass pane, extracting intricate cracks to manifest a motif, the floor-bound creation in the gallery relies on the contours and strategic arrangement of the glass shards to evoke the semblance of a portrait. Through this exhibition, Berger not only showcases his adept command of varied artistic creation but also prompts reflection on the nuanced dynamics of perspective.