CHRISTIAN GIERATHS – SALAAM BOMBAY
2011-07-25The exhibition´s title Salaam Bombay derives from a film title of the 1980s which reflects Gieraths´ interest in locations for the Hindi film industry, located in Mumbai.
Christian Gieraths is a flaneur who is interested in the hustle and bustle of a society which develops itself in the pulse of technological progress and which, therefore, is in an ongoing condition of change. He is continuously searching for places where he can find these changes manifested in its historical, political or aesthetic forms. Sotchi, Havanna, Tokyo, Hollywood and Las Vegas have been previous settings of earlier series´ which show a similar picture language: They show deserted places, streets and interiors as well as facades. His focal point of the compositions is always identical. Hence, the viewpoint of the observer as well as the restricted image section remains Gieraths´ criteria for composition. His photographies are comprised by a certain silence that derives from his composition and reminds of film stills.
Colour and atmosphere as well as the artist´s viewpoint are most significant. By depicting his compositions in a short span of time he enables the past to become present. Through dealing with these locations and its surroundings, as well as thoughtful observations of the sensual reality and the atmospheric moods, Gieraths transforms his visual experience into photography.
Exhibition runs through to September 2nd, 2011
Baukunst Galerie
Theodor-Heuss-Ring 7
D – 50668 Cologne
Germany
