Mother of Pearl at DREI, Cologne: Four Artists Explore Memory Across Generations
The exhibition "Mother of Pearl" at DREI in Cologne showcases works from four international artists spanning three generations, emphasizing themes of memory and experience. Notable pieces include Heidi Bucher's "Untitled (Puerta del Palacio Ico)" (1986), inspired by the architecture of Lanzarote. Helena Huneke (1967–2012) is featured with "Claus und Stefan" (2003), a work that evokes the power of absence. Willa Wasserman (b. 1990) presents paintings that merge faces and flowers, such as "Арина" (Arina). Mira M. Yang's (b. 1993) "바리데기-D" (Baridegi-D) (2023) incorporates dead lotus leaves and a makeup mirror, connecting to pansori and Kisaeng traditions. The exhibition portrays unfinished memory as a source of comfort rather than a danger.
Key facts
- Mother of Pearl is on view at DREI in Cologne, featuring four international artists from three generations.
- Heidi Bucher's Untitled (Puerta del Palacio Ico) (1986) is a central work, created during her years on Lanzarote (1983–1993).
- Bucher's house in Teguise, called Palacio Ico, was central to her 'skinning' practice; the door retains a teal patina.
- Helena Huneke (1967–2012) is represented by Claus und Stefan (2003), a mixed-media tableau on linen.
- Huneke's drawing states, 'Künstler sind keine Spekulationsobjekte' (Artists are not objects of speculation).
- Willa Wasserman (b. 1990) shows paintings that play with opacity and negative space, including a portrait titled Арина (Arina).
- Mira M. Yang's (b. 1993) mirror work 바리데기-D (2023) was on view at the 15th Gwangju Biennial in 2024.
- Yang's installation draws on pansori and the history of Kisaeng performers during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties.
Entities
Artists
- Heidi Bucher
- Helena Huneke
- Willa Wasserman
- Mira M. Yang
- Dominikus Müller
Institutions
- DREI
- Haus der Kunst
- Frieze
- Halle für Kunst Lüneburg
- Gwangju Biennial
- Estate of Helena Huneke
Locations
- Cologne
- Germany
- Lanzarote
- Spain
- Teguise
- Munich
- Gwangju
- South Korea
- Korea