As the closing exhibition for 2024 Weserhalle is thrilled to present an installation by Max Siedentopf.

The work Zeitgeist exhibits a hyper-realistic sculpture of an elderly man who has unwittingly painted himself into a corner of the gallery. The sculpture symbolises the current societal climate, illustrating how, in many aspects—politically and environmentally—we find ourselves increasingly cornered by the unintended consequences of our own actions.

In the political realm, short-sighted policies and partisan bickering often lead to gridlock and systemic issues that seem insurmountable. Environmentally, our relentless exploitation of natural resources and neglect of sustainable practices are driving us towards ecological crises. These actions, driven by immediate gains and a lack of foresight, mirror the elderly man’s predicament in the installation: a situation where we are hemmed in by the messes we’ve created, with limited room to maneuver. The elderly painter is a reflection of the baby boomer era which many younger generations blame for many of the ongoing problems which they will be left to deal with.

Max Siedentopf (b. 1991) is a multi-disciplinary conceptual artist whose work spans video, photography, sculpture, and installation. Known for his bold, thought-provoking approach, his projects explore themes of absurdity, societal critique, and human behavior. His installation Toto Forever was highlighted by Artnet as one of “10 Extraordinary Artworks You Need to Travel to the Edge of the World to See.” Siedentopf’s practice has been showcased in international exhibitions, with recent solo and group shows in Lisbon, Milan, and London.