Harald Erath

In the context of art fairs such as Art Basel, it is important to reflect on the notion of responsibility within the art world. Commercial and prestige-driven aspects often dominate, pushing deeper issues like identity, visibility, and perception into the background.

The solo exhibition Surface Tension by Harald Erath (*1984) addresses cultural-historical and societal themes that are highly relevant today. Erath employs the traditional technique of egg tempera, an old painting method whose unique properties lend his works remarkable depth and texture. This technique requires precision and patience, symbolising the value of craftsmanship in an era dominated by digital media and rapid production methods. Erath plays with familiar visual tropes and questions the norms often shaped by societal expectations.

The works in Surface Tension are characterised exceptional aesthetic that is both appealing and challenging. What is special about this exhibition is the way in which Harald Erath uses physical phenomena to raise fundamental questions about identity, space and perception. Through deliberate provocation and discomfort, Erath encourages viewers to confront their own biases and ways of seeing art. In this context, the topic gains importance, especially during one of the largest art fairs in the world.
Catrina Sonderegger