Gallery Baton in Seoul will present Cats, Goats and Monsters - La Jonction, a solo exhibition by Swiss artist Markus Amm, from November 20 to December 21, 2024. This exhibition, Amm’s second with the gallery, will showcase 14 new paintings that draw inspiration from the mercurial Swiss skies. The show offers a deep exploration of Amm’s meditative approach to art, where concepts like time, intention, and spontaneity interact to create compelling visual narratives.
Amm’s creative process combines meticulous planning with the element of chance, a balance he calls “a tennis game” between control and the unexpected. His method involves applying custom-made oil mixtures to canvases treated with gesso, allowing each layer to dry for weeks. This slow layering process, repeated over several cycles, creates surfaces rich with unique textures that reflect the unpredictability of nature itself. The outcome is a tangible record of time, visible in the intricate surface details.
His process, reminiscent of analog photography, makes use of environmental factors like light, humidity, and even dust in his Geneva studio. Each layer is intentionally exposed to its surroundings, absorbing elements that imprint themselves on the work, resulting in a surface akin to geological strata. Much like rings in a tree trunk, these layers tell a story of accumulated time and process, each contributing to the piece’s evolving identity.
Amm’s work highlights his patient exploration of the concept of time, a central element in his practice. Unlike many artists, he allows his unfinished works to sit for extended periods, sometimes for years, during which he observes them until inspiration strikes. This approach, grounded in observation and contemplation, invites viewers to experience art as a slow, introspective journey rather than a rapid completion.
The artist’s patience is rewarded when he experiences a moment of clarity—a “eureka” moment—which guides his final color application. This process, where thought and intuition converge, gives the work a sense of completeness that speaks to Amm’s commitment to introspective artistry. In these moments, Amm’s layers transform from mere material to convey intricate emotional and sensory impressions, ranging from the play of twilight colors to the quiet pulse of a still lake.
Through Amm’s unique approach, his work emerges as more than just visual; it is an alchemical mix of light, texture, and time that evokes a sense of place and memory. Each piece captures an experience or feeling, inviting viewers to connect with the subtle emotional undercurrents embedded within the surface. The works on display promise a visual journey that combines the transitory beauty of nature with the weight of time.
Amm’s reputation in Europe is well-established. He has held solo exhibitions at prominent institutions like Kunsthaus Baselland in Switzerland and Kunstmuseum Stuttgart in Germany. His work has also been featured in group exhibitions at institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Bundeskunsthalle Bonn, emphasizing his presence in the international art community. His pieces are part of collections in renowned museums, including Deutsche Bank’s collection in Germany and the Dallas Museum of Art in the United States.
Cats, Goats, and Monsters - La Jonction marks a pivotal moment in Amm’s career, allowing him to bring his evolving work to an Asian audience. The show also demonstrates Gallery Baton’s commitment to presenting thought-provoking and innovative art. For those who attend, Amm’s works are expected to provoke contemplation, as they are intended not only to be viewed but to be experienced over time.
Markus Amm’s exhibition at Gallery Baton, with its emphasis on time, observation, and environmental influence, promises to be a landmark event that deepens the dialogue between viewer and artwork, emphasizing the artist’s belief in the power of quiet introspection in art.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
