Galerie Eva Presenhuber in Vienna unveils Whereabouts, a solo exhibition by Swiss artist Louisa Gagliardi, marking her first solo show in Austria. Known for her nuanced exploration of liminality, Gagliardi explores transitional spaces—both physical and psychological—that characterize modern life. Her latest works confront the unsettling nature of spaces in between—such as staircases, tunnels, and doorways—questioning the blurred boundaries between reality and perception.
ART
Whereabouts investigates contemporary identity and collective consciousness, revealing how these forces shape societal norms and individual behaviors. Through layered compositions of ink on PVC, Gagliardi uses digital aesthetics to explore themes of alienation, existentialism, voyeurism, and conformity. The works, such as Jackpot and Leave of Absence, invite the viewer to occupy open, ambiguous spaces, emphasizing the delicate intimacy that permeates her practice. These voids offer room for interpretation, allowing audiences to position themselves within the artwork, reinforcing a subtle interplay between introspection and participation.
The exhibition juxtaposes serene transitional spaces with more restrictive environments, such as cages surrounded by magpies, mirroring the tension between freedom and confinement. Central to the show are works like Gatekeeper (Open) and Gatekeeper (Closed), monumental pieces that draw inspiration from classical art. These figures, draped in flowing garments, reference the architectural past while breaking the fourth wall by returning the viewer’s gaze, evoking an unsettling yet captivating sense of separation.
In Whereabouts, Gagliardi takes her exploration in a new direction by engaging with gestures linked to modern technology, such as zooming out on a smartphone. This act of shifting perspective reflects the exhibition’s focus on public spaces, moving beyond the intimacy of domestic life to broader social environments. This thematic shift encourages viewers to contemplate their own place within a world that feels simultaneously familiar and disorienting, capturing the essence of a monocultural landscape populated by strangers.
Through her work, Gagliardi reflects on aging and the fluidity of tradition, offering insight into a world where once-certain futures have become uncertain. “Aging to me is understanding that the outcomes once taken for granted may be thrown into doubt,” Gagliardi states, highlighting how uncertainty becomes an intrinsic part of modern existence. Her art immerses viewers in a bittersweet reflection of contemporary neurosis, a complex mix of ink, gel medium, and the fleeting allure of nostalgia.
In Whereabouts, Louisa Gagliardi presents an evocative collection that challenges the viewer to rethink their relationship with space, perception, and societal constructs. The exhibition is a poignant reflection on the liminality that defines both individual identity and collective experience in the post-internet age, inviting audiences to embrace the ambiguity of in-between moments.
