15-01-2014
The connecting factor in this newsletter is Thomas Mayer. He recently photographed the James Cauty exhibition and the RAG building for us. The photos themselves are almost works of art. I’ll soon be going to Amsterdam to give a talk on the occasion of the opening of his exhibition in the Ornis A gallery. When I saw the work that will hang there, I felt slightly disappointed as I would rather have had his exhibition here with us. But much stronger was the feeling that it’s all exactly right and logical. As early as the 1970s, Thomas took photographs without formal composition. He leaves the situation just as it is when he encounters it. I think that after a long period of prosperity, followed by crisis and reflection, in which people had to resign themselves to being mere extras in a pre-designed environment, we have reached a period in which we’re less attached to the idea of a perfect picture and more interested in seeking the personal touch. I’ve always attempted – with varying levels of success of course – to create objects and spaces which make people feel good more than anything else, rather than something that looks great in a photo. And that is exactly what or how Thomas has always photographed, as can be seen in this exhibition. He doesn’t move things around, manipulate or alter them, but instead he looks closely and chooses the perspective that captures the essence of the subject. The exhibition is called “Wohnportraits” (Home portraits) and mainly comprises photographs of interiors. And yet they’re portraits. In the same way as he portrays my work.
Cauty/Mauviel
Photograph: Thomas Mayer
In order to meet the need for people to have more opportunity to visit the gallery, showroom and shop, we recently started opening on Thursday evenings, Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons as well. Alongside the James Cauty exhibition, which infuses virtually everybody with an enthusiasm that is catching, the showroom and shop are constantly being subjected to what is almost a mania for change. The most recent addition is that of the pans and products of Mauviel. Now, I would ask myself: “Who’s going to pay so much attention to a set of pans?” But that’s perhaps another reason to come and have a look, as the pans all in a row almost form an exhibition.
RAG
Photograph: Thomas Mayer
Perhaps the most daring project for us at the moment is the redevelopment of the RAG building on our site. Who’s going to build there now if no bricks are being sold? But if nobody else does anything and you do, you create opportunities. Apart from that, it felt as if the building had to be redeveloped by us. One step is followed by the next one. In this natural process, in which we’ve mainly thought and done the obvious things, it looks as if we’ll soon have so many buyers that we can begin building!
Jochen Otten
Photograph: Wereldwijze Fotografie
Het nieuws wat buiten de boot dreigt te vallen is dat Jochen Otten donderdag 6 februari bij ons in het kader van de cabaretreeks optreedt.
This post is also available in: NL
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