Solo exhibition at MATHGOTH Paris
Liminaité Individuelle (or individual liminality) could be considered a strong creative focal point once we truly understand the meaning of liminality. So what does it mean? The dictionary tells us that liminality is “the transitional period or phase of a rite of passage, during which the participant lacks social status or rank, remains anonymous, shows obedience and humility, and follows prescribed forms of conduct, dress, etc.” With this meaning, we begin to understand the art of Falk Lehmann aka AKUT, who has had a very special relationship with the portrait for many years. The German artist who is also known as one of the founding members of the MA’CLAIM crew and one-half of the artistic duo HERAKUT has created a body of work that was shown at the MATHGOTH gallery in Paris, from the 6th of November till the 27th of November 2021.
What is the significance of the portrait today?
In present-day Corona pandemic times, the word liminality can have all the more meaning in a global society that is slowly being deconstructed, removing many of their social rankings, status, and sense of self-identity while being forced to obey and stay down. Making the portrait the perfect tool to make this connection as it traditionally captured the social standing, and positioning of the character being portrayed. With exceptional attention to detail, AKUT plays with his graffiti roots and his technical abilities to raise questions of the current human condition and the modeling of our identities. In “Individual Liminality”, AKUT puts the notion of the portrait right in the center, featuring some individuals of today who are dealing with their existence in liminality.
Nothing less than stunning
Subtly and delicate, AKUT makes using Montana GOLD cans and ACRYLIC markers look seamless in the marriage of his graffiti heritage with photorealism. Nothing less than stunning, although you can no longer see “Individual Liminality” in the flesh, you can see the shown works here in the comfort of your own home.
Photography by AKUT / Falk Lehman