Between Plastic and Plankton: Oceans Under Pressure

Contemporary art in an old half-timbered house: In the exhibition Zwischentöne & Statements, Haus Hildener Künstler brings together the artistic perspectives of Ute Augustin-Kaiser, Eloba (Ellen Loh-Bachmann), and Gabriele Weide. What their very different works have in common is that they address central questions and issues of our time: Ute Augustin-Kaiser from Ratingen explores the structures of the oceans in her relief-like wall objects. The works of Eloba from Leverkusen address a wide variety of themes and are characterized by the vibrant colors and zest for life of South American cultures. Gabriele Weide, who is participating in the Art.Salon artist program, addresses the threats to the oceans, including pollution and overfishing. At first glance, her works appear harmonious, yet the irreversible pollution—with its extreme consequences for various forms of life—is already well underway: an Idyll with an Expiration Date, as one of her paintings is titled. The exhibition opens on June 20 at 3 p.m. in Hilden with a discussion among the three artists about their work and runs through June 28.

The work of Gabriele Weide, who lives and works in Düsseldorf, revolves around environmental changes, urban vegetation, and the creative power of nature. Since 2010, she has addressed the growing threat to the world’s oceans posed by human behavior in her paintings, offering eye-opening perspectives on seemingly innocuous terms such as »stranded goods« or »bycatch«.

The Haus Hildener Künstler association is dedicated to preserving the building, which was constructed in 1901 as a coach house, and uses it for cultural purposes. It also maintains an adjacent sculpture garden, where changing exhibitions are held.

Haus Hildener Künstler
Hofstraße 6
40723 Hilden