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Martin Gerboc: A Painter of Decadence and Extremes

artist · 2026-04-24

Born in 1971, Martin Gerboc is a Slovakian artist known for his work as a painter, writer, theorist, video artist, and filmmaker. His artistic exploration of (in)humanity is characterized by a restrained color scheme of black, red, pink, and violet. Themes of darkness, fear, despair, punk subculture, sadomasochism, and political propaganda permeate his pieces. Significant works include 'Une saison en enfer' (2009), 'Joy Division' (2008), 'Comédie tragique' (2006), and 'Das Schweigen von Kunst das wird uberwertet' (2009-2010), frequently featuring text from Joy Division lyrics. Gerboc draws inspiration from thinkers such as Balthus and Michel Foucault. He exhibited in 'Decadence Now! Vision of Excess' at Rudolfinum, Prague (2009-2010) and held solo shows at Jas Gallery, Paris (2009-2011) and Zahorian&co Gallery, Bratislava (2012). He resides in both Bratislava and Prague.

Key facts

  • Martin Gerboc was born in 1971 in Slovakia.
  • He uses a palette of black, red, pink, and violet.
  • His work references Balthus, Louise Bourgeois, Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, and Alain Robbe-Grillet.
  • He participated in 'Decadence Now! Vision of Excess' at Rudolfinum, Prague (2009-2010).
  • The exhibition was curated by Otto M. Urban.
  • He had a solo show 'Iconoclasme. La société du spectacle' at Jas Gallery, Paris (2009-2011).
  • He co-founded Zahorian&co Gallery in Bratislava in 2011.
  • He was a resident at Cité internationale des arts, Paris (1998-2006).

Entities

Artists

  • Martin Gerboc
  • Balthus
  • Louise Bourgeois
  • Michel Foucault
  • Roland Barthes
  • Alain Robbe-Grillet
  • Jeff Koons
  • Cindy Sherman
  • Andres Serrano
  • Nobuyoshi Araki
  • Jake Chapman
  • Dinos Chapman
  • Robert Mapplethorpe
  • Damien Hirst
  • Zhang Peng
  • Keith Haring
  • Gottfried Helnwein
  • Hans Bellmer
  • Jacques-André Boiffard
  • Georges Bataille
  • Joseph Beuys
  • Marcel Duchamp
  • Silvia Van Espen

Institutions

  • Jas Gallery
  • Rudolfinum
  • Zahorian&co Gallery
  • Cité internationale des arts
  • Paris-Sorbonne University
  • École des beaux-arts de Bratislava

Locations

  • Slovakia
  • Bratislava
  • Prague
  • Paris
  • Czech Republic

Sources