SETAREH is pleased to invite you to the group exhibition In perpetuum – die Entwicklung der Körperlichkeit with Dana-Fiona Armour, Sophia Belkin, Lucile Boiron, Mathilde Denize, Jeh Lee, and Fabio Romano.

The continuous quest for the discovery of identity in the midst of the world's diversity is condensed in the exhibition's title In perpetuum (English: 'in all eternity'). Derived from Aristoteles' ancient conception of the world, the idea of eternity builds a bridge to the contemporary art of our time.

The world we perceive is constantly changing but there is, behind it, a hidden reality in which all apparent changes are merely rearrangements in accordance with established rules of permanent elements. In this continuum there are the groundings of the world's scientific view and in opposition the supernatural view, where magic, animism and caprice rule. Based on the latter view, anything can happen.

In perpetuum, anything can be transformed: humans into animals, lead into gold..., and according to ancient writings, these metamorphoses happened often in the past. Modern science does not admit these mystical transformations because they cannot be explained. Science requires a process based on and developed within well-defined rules, which limits the possibilities, therefore defining a realm of impossibilities.

Given the current constant adaptation and modification, is it still possible to speak of the identity of an individual? Isn't however identity what remains in spite of every change and forever? Based on this philosophical approach, In perpetuum dives into a world that intertwines identities with forms, bodies and intimate reflections, and places them into a new context, questioning our perception and ways of thinking.

Press release courtesy SETAREH.