In her artistic practice, Laura J. Padgett reveals the historical layers beneath the outer crust of the present. Her new work, which she made during the last two years at the Poelzig-Bau in Frankfurt, sheds light on the complex background of the building. Architectural and industrial history, collusion with National Socialism, post WWII history under the American military administration, and most recently becoming home to the J.W. Goethe University since 2001 manifest themselves in significant overlays. Further, Padgett has identified another area of memory within the building: the university collections are evidence of our cultural history and the ongoing metamorphosis how we perceive it.

'What I look for now are places that resonate with history, that are, in a way, unmarked landmarks, and to make this history visible and palpable. Because our past is ours forever.' Laura J. Padgett

The exhibition will be accompanied by a publication with photographs by Laura J. Padgett an essay by Katharina J. Cichosch.

Press release courtesy Galerie—Peter—Sillem.