Chapter II at Phantom Pförtnerhaus: Yesakova and Sambo on Fragmentation

Chapter II, a two-person exhibition curated by Iana Pitenko, is presented by Phantom Pförtnerhaus at Georgen-Parochial Friedhof II in Berlin from 6 June to 12 July 2026. The exhibition showcases Sofiia Yesakova and Matilde Sambo, whose artistic practices approach the theme of fragmentation from different angles. Yesakova's series, Ugly Scenes. Nuances, incorporates carved black wood, linseed oil, and beeswax to form rich surfaces that absorb emotional content. A notable piece features a carved eye pierced by a metal rod, alluding to Saint Lucia of Syracuse. Yesakova's work engages with Foucault's theories of punitive restraint and Deleuze's concepts of layering. In contrast, Sambo’s Cantus ab aestu series utilizes cicada moults as casts and her graphite works from Interstizi e collisioni illustrate figures in anatomical decay. The exhibition conceptualizes the phantom as a form of persistence, reflecting the gatehouse's role as a boundary between the living city and the cemetery. The artworks are provided by the artists and FAVU Gallery.