The Kunsthalle Trier, in collaboration with the Museum am Dom Trier, invites you to explore the multifaceted sculptural and conceptual works of the renowned Flemish artist Kris Martin from 8th of December 2022 – 29th of January 2023.
Kris Martin is a pivotal figure on the contemporary Belgian art scene whose artistic practice revolves around the human condition, life, death, and religion. His conceptual approach towards art and the artistic creation calls for an awareness of the transience of meaning: meaning and value attributed to objects change over time. It is precisely this fluctuation in perception that is at the centre of WHO CARES. In cooperation with the Museum am Dom in Trier, the exhibition, thus, thematises the afterlife of Christian art and problem of crossing or surpassing boundaries by creating an unmediated encounter between the works of Kris Martin and Christian artworks from the museum collection. This juxtaposition of secular and religious objects in a neutral space challenges the visitors to critically perceive and contemplate Western European cultural heritage and contemporary art. The eponymous work WHO CARES, conceived especially for the Kunsthalle, transforms the 800 square meters of the Kunsthalle’s White Cube into a secular chapel of art. The large white space with its 6-meter-high ceilings and natural light provides the ideal environment: it oscillates between sober neutrality and creative potential. The projection room becomes a treasury or cabinet of curiosities under the title of pars pro. The exhibits – sculptural fragments – invite the visitors to reflect on each object and fill in the gaps.
Under the title Kris Martin WHO CARES the Kunsthalle explores the role personal sensibility plays in the viewing and perceiving of objects. What influences the aura of a work of art? What feelings are triggered? What makes us care? Will you care?
We are looking forward to your visit!
Please note that the Kunsthalle will be closed from the 24th of Dezember until the 2nd January 2023.
in collaboration with the Museum am Dom Trier
Sponsored by the Kulturstiftung der Sparkasse Trier
Kris Martin (born in 1972) lives and works in Mullem, Belgium..
Kris Martin’s monographic exhibitions include shows at S.M.A.K., Ghent (2020, 2018); Kunstraum Innsbruck, Schloss Ambras, Innsbruck (2014); K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf (2013); Kunst-Station Sankt Peter, Cologne (2012); Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Lehmbruck Museum, Duisburg (2012); K20 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf (2009); Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Bergamo (2008); MoMA PS1, Contemporary Art Center, New York (2007); Neuer Aachener Kunstverein, Aachen (2006). His works are in renowned collections such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA), Chicago; Olbricht Collection, Berlin; Sammlung Boros, Berlin; K21, Düsseldorf; the Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst (S.M.A.K.), Gent; and the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis.