EIN KALTES HERZ KANN NIE GLÜCKLICH SEIN

‘Ein kaltes Herz kann nie glücklich sein’ [A cold heart can never be happy] is a homage to a heart at odds with itself.

The Cupboard reveals an intimate space housing a ceramic vessel, an object resembling the shape of a well, sealed with an aluminium plate. Through this mirrored surface we enter into the process of searching, animating the viewer to look into their distorted image and decipher what stares back. The well draws on its representation within folklore, wishing wells have historically been used as places that provide answers, give direction, and offer hope. Within the context of the exhibition, the well occupies a similar position as a place of contemplation and searching.

The title of the exhibition was taken from a diary entry written in German by De Caluwé’s great-grandfather, offering a self portrait of sorts, a description of himself that captured part of him. It offers a rare connection to him for the artist. Within this body of work, De Caluwé considers identity as something that bleeds through generations—both as hereditary and as an evolving concept assembled through experiences, love, friendships, family, and environment. Identity is considered as something pliable, a thing that can be twisted, bent and reflected back at you. It is understood as a plurality, encompassing the multiple selves we carry and the distorted image that forms. Visitors are encouraged to look into the well, reflecting on the fluid and fragile nature of self.

In keeping with the rituals surrounding holy wells, visitors are invited to leave offerings. In this case, the offerings consist of writing one sentence about themselves, to capture parts of who they are at that moment, and slide these into a traditional handmade terracotta money box kept at the gallery. The offerings will be kept in the money box until it is broken open, for the sentences to be transcribed and included in a publication later this year. This publication, which will be riso printed and hand bound, will include images of the making of the money box, a foreword, images of the breaking of the box and the literary self portraits visitors left behind.