In my bubble

Christophe Guye Galerie is pleased to announce the group exhibition 'In my bubble' in the gallery’s showroom. The exhibition was curated by Anita Pezzolesi and Gaëlle Waeber as part of the seminar 'Die Kunstgalerie im System der Künste' (The Art Gallery in the System of the Arts) at the University of Zurich, led by Christophe Guye as guest lecturer. In this seminar, the students of the Centre for Studies and Research in the Theory and History of Photography were given the opportunity to present an exhibition concept, which was then to be exhibited in the showroom of the gallery. The selected exhibition project 'In my bubble' by Pezzolesi and Waeber is dedicated to the theme of self-reflection, the ability of human beings to practice introspection and to try to learn more about their fundamental being and essence.

'Never before have we had to dial back our usual ‘fast life’ as much as we did over the past year. The pandemic, the accompanying measures and social distancing led to the isolation of everyone: Alone in our four walls and with our thoughts. The exhibition in the showroom aims to visualise this situation in an aesthetic and constructive way. Through this visual experience, the viewer is to be inspired to enter their own world of thoughts and thus stimulate self-reflection.

Self-reflection is a personal experience that you can only have with yourself. Therefore, we would like to ask visitors to follow their own path and let themselves be guided by the feelings that photography gives them. Let your mind wander and take the time you need for your own reflection.

The exhibition begins with Albert Watson's photograph of Kate Moss. This is followed by the works of Daisuke Yokota, Michael Wolf and finally Jun Ahn. The order of the works is intended to visually guide the viewer through their various stages of self-reflection.

The work by Albert Watson shows a naked woman whose posture conceals her nakedness. This pose conveys a sense of insecurity and doubt as her body is not free. It is a familiar pose of withdrawal and reflection. Even her gaze reflects this. Lost in thought, she stares into the void. Even without eye contact, Kate captivates us and instantly puts us in the appropriate mood.

Daisuke Yokota's work depicts a blurred figure running into an indefinable expanse. The image conveys a sense of confusion and disorientation. The initial state of uncertainty and doubt persists, as initially it is never clear how big the bubble is in which one finds oneself. Reflection with oneself can take up more or less space, depending on one's personality, one’s contact with others or even social disconnection.

Michael Wolf's series illustrates the bubble with its figures depicted behind condensed water on the glass. With the help of this transparent wall, the artist also illustrates the fact that the subjects are trapped behind it. The subjects approach the outside world, press themselves against the wall, but cannot break through it. They are fully conscious, but their reflection is not yet mature enough to break out of the bubble.

Jun Ahn's Self-Portrait Trilogy present a woman in her own flat, or rather within her own four walls. The first image shows the woman stepping out onto her outer window ledge. It seems as if the woman wants to step out of the bubble and into the hectic life of the metropolis. Nevertheless, she is still looking into the room and it seems as if she is still uncertain. The second image shows the same woman – but this time with conviction – trying to climb out of the window. However, she is not out yet. In the last image, she is dangling her legs out of the window and has, even if only metaphorically, stepped out of the bubble. With this work, the positive message of the exhibition is conveyed: To emerge from one's bubble with confidence after a complex confrontation with oneself.

In the course of the exhibition, the works change from black and white to colour photographs. This choice is meant to symbolise the path taken. We want to move from black and white images, which represent isolation, fear, insecurity and confusion, to colour images, which represent awareness, the recovery of vitality and hope.’ – (translated from German) Anita Pezzolesi and Gaëlle Waeber