Dreams and nightmares

The Herbert-Gerisch-Foundation dedicated this comprehensive solo show entitled “Träume und Albträume” to the Berlin based painter, sculptor, draughtsman and printer Piotr Nathan.

He expanded this invitation to several female artists and collaborators who have influenced his own oeuvre over the years and asked Nan Goldin, Christine Fenzl, Susanne A. Homann, Roni Horn, Siobhan Lidell and Nina Venus to contribute pieces engaging directly with some of his own works.

Nathan, in turn reacted creatively, responding in his works, entering an artistic dialogue and creative conversation. This process of artistic communication was the conceptual center of this exhibition.

The artist's starting point was the idea of entering into an intensive dialog with the historic Villa Wachholtz building and translating his private handling of collected art into an exhibition. He was encouraged by a visit to the Palacio de Lebrija, a former private residence in Seville. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Condesa de Lebrija gave the palace, which was built in the 15th century, a new interior reminiscent of opulent art chambers. Piotr Nathan is now proceeding in a similar way with numerous motifs, techniques and genres. He integrated paintings, (wall) drawings, photographs, graphics, installations and a film into the living ambience of the Villa Wachholtz. Pieces of furniture from his own studio apartment, including a brass bed, a sofa group, a leather armchair and a lamp, become part of the exhibition. Consequently, Piotr Nathan does not speak of "exhibiting" but of "furnishing".