Sébastien Lifshitz Curates the Work of Jorge Alberto Cadi at christian berst – art brut
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the christian berst – art brut gallery is presenting a dual exhibition focusing on the work of Cuban artist Jorge Alberto Cadi, and curated by Sébastien Lifshitz.
In the main space, guests discover the unique world of Cadi, a universe populated by mutant beings with scarred faces and dismembered bodies. Entitled ‘Dark Matter’, this exhibition presents the vision of the Cuban artist, for whom reality is a lie, and whose work reflects this belief. Having grown up in Havana in a violent home environment, he took refuge in art, where he found an outlet for his schizophrenia. His haunting photomontages reflect his existential rage, each collage a duel in which he settles scores. His sensitive gaze deciphers society’s representations to expose the violence, the hidden evil and unmentionable desires. The photographs become sensitive plates revealing human secrets and the hypocrisy of human relationships.
Inspired by his preliminary research, Stéphane Lifshitz does not stop there. In the second exhibition space called The Bridge, the curator presents a series of photographs found at flea markets or on the internet, whose distortions caused by the passing of time are reminiscent of Cadi’s work. Less dramatic than the artist’s work but no less interesting, these photographs form the exhibition ‘Les Disparus’, seemingly echoing the main exhibition and introducing other fascinating transformations.
At the opening, we met Christian Berst, Stéphane Lifshitz, Christoph Wiesner, Sophie Calle and many others!
Photos: Michael Huard
