Self-Topography on Paper

Group Exhition 2024
September 11th - November 9th

"Self-Topography on Paper: Unveiling Layers of Identity and Expression

"Self-Topography on Paper" delves into the profound connection between paper and the human experience, exploring how this humble material transcends its physical form to become a vehicle for self-expression, cultural reflection, and artistic innovation. The exhibition, set to run from September 11th to November 9th, 2024, presents a diverse array of works that challenge traditional notions of identity, memory, and materiality, inviting viewers to explore the layers of meaning embedded in each piece.

The concept behind "Self-Topography on Paper" is rooted in the dual nature of paper as both medium and matter. This duality serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition, where the physical and intellectual aspects of our existence intertwine. Paper, much like skin, is composed of layers—each one holding traces of time, experience, and emotion. It is a surface that records, reveals, and conceals, making it an ideal medium for artists to explore the complexities of identity and the narratives that define us.

At the heart of this exhibition is the notion that even the slightest touch can leave an indelible mark on paper, just as life’s experiences imprint themselves on our bodies and minds. The artists featured in "Self-Topography on Paper" engage with this idea, using paper to map the topography of their thoughts, dreams, and recollections. Each artwork is a unique expression of how time interacts with the artist and their medium, resulting in a rich tapestry of personal and cultural reflections.

The exhibition’s theme, "Paper as Medium and Matter," invites artists to push the boundaries of what paper can represent. Historically, paper has been a vessel for stories, memories, and ideas—a material that carries the weight of human history and imagination. In this exhibition, paper becomes more than just a medium; it is a symbol of fragility, transience, and resilience. The works on display reveal how paper, with its delicate and mutable nature, can be transformed into a powerful tool for exploring the human psyche and the socio-political landscapes that shape our world.

"Self-Topography on Paper" is a celebration of diversity, both in the artistic approaches of its participants and in the narratives they bring to the fore. By inviting submissions from around the globe, the exhibition aims to incorporate peripheral voices and perspectives that challenge dominant cultural narratives. These works offer a glimpse into how different cultural contexts shape our understanding of identity, encouraging viewers to reconsider the fixed categories that often define our reality.

The exhibition is not just about showcasing finished works; it is also about the process of creation and the exploration of new artistic territories. This ethos is embodied by Guy Lougashi, the founder of the Paper Lab Berlin, whose approach to paper as a medium is deeply rooted in experimentation and self-discovery. Lougashi’s work with paper is a testament to the material’s versatility and potential as a medium for contemporary art. Through his innovative techniques, he transforms paper into a living, breathing entity that interacts with its environment and the viewer in unexpected ways.

Lougashi’s artistic practice is informed by a deep respect for the materiality of paper, as well as an understanding of its symbolic resonance. For him, paper is not just a surface to work on but a medium that carries its own history and meaning. His work in the Paper Lab Berlin reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what paper can do, exploring its potential to convey complex emotions and ideas through texture, form, and structure. In "Self-Topography on Paper," Lougashi’s influence is evident in the way the exhibition encourages artists to think beyond the conventional uses of paper, embracing it as a medium for conceptual exploration and self-expression.

The collaboration with Atelier Mitte, an art space in Berlin founded by Constanze Stinnes, provides the perfect setting for this exploration. Originally an auto repair shop, Atelier Mitte has been transformed into a haven for creative minds, blending industrial chic with vintage elegance. This unique environment offers artists and viewers a space to engage with the works on display in a way that is both intimate and expansive, reflecting the exhibition’s themes of transformation and identity.

As the exhibition unfolds, it becomes clear that "Self-Topography on Paper" is not just about the works themselves but about the conversations they spark. The ongoing program of performances, screenings, and readings invites both artists and audiences to engage with the themes of the exhibition on a deeper level, exploring how paper, as both a material and a concept, can be used to transcend the boundaries of the known. This collective exercise in creativity and thought invites participants to peel back the layers of their own identities, much like the layers of paper that form the basis of the works on display.

In the end, "Self-Topography on Paper" is an exploration of the layers that make up our identities, memories, and emotions. Through the lens of paper, artists are able to reveal the complexities of the human experience, creating works that resonate on both a personal and universal level. The exhibition serves as a reminder that, like paper, we are all composed of layers—each one bearing the marks of our past, present, and future. Through this collective exploration, "Self-Topography on Paper" invites us to consider how our own experiences are inscribed upon us, shaping the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

Concept by Guy Lougashi