Soma Series (2) (detail) by Carsten Höller, via Gagosian Gallery

Reindeers and Spheres by Carsten Höller, now on view at the Gagosian Gallery in Los Angeles, presents an intriguing mix of photographic collages, sculpture, and installation that provoke the structure of learned behavior in order to question what is considered rational. “The real material I am working with is people’s experiences”, the artist said of his work. There is no cohesive underlying meaning; everything is left to the interpretation of the viewer. The exhibition is Höller’s first show in Los Angeles.

Carsten Höller Reindeers and Spheres
Gagosian Gallery
456 North Camden Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
through February 14, 2009
Press Release: Carsten Höller Reindeers and Spheres
Press: Carsten Höller Exhibition, LA [Wallpaper]
Carsten Höller’s Double Club Project in London[Gagosian Gallery News]
Carsten Höller: Reindeers and Spheres [LA Times]

Soma Series (5) (2008) by Carsten Höller, via Wallpaper

Black Double Sphere (2008) and Red Double Sphere Hanging (2008) flash on and off at different intervals. The Soma Series I-5 (2008) captures a series of photographs displayed in collage; some are focus and others are not and show a reindeer and a naked woman with long blond hair that recalls Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. A fluorescent green cast of a baby reindeer (2008) lies meekly curled up on the ground and has bright green glassy eyes.

Black Double Sphere (2008) and Red Double Sphere (2008) by Carsten Höller, via Wallpaper

Carsten Höller has a doctorate in biology and uses his training as a scientist in his artwork. He concentrates particularly on the nature of human relationships especially on human perception and self-exploration. His sculptures invite the viewer to participate as a way for him to examine his theories relating to physiological reactions and human emotions.

Soma Series (3) by Carsten Höller, via Wallpaper

Born in Brussels in 1961, Carsten Höller has shown internationally over the last two decades including solo exhibits at the Fondazione Prada in Milan (2000), the ICA Boston (2003), Musée d’Art Contemporain, Marseille (2000), MASS MoCA (2006), and Kunsthaus Bregenz, Austria (2008). In 2006, he conceived “Test Site” for The Unilever Series at Tate Modern, London, and represented Sweden (with Miriam Backström) at the 51st Biennale di Venezia. Höller has most recently opened the bi-cultural restaurant/ nightclub called The Double Club in London in collaboration with Fondazione Prada for six-month period. Located in an old Victorian warehouse next to the Angel tube station, The Double Club consists of three spaces: a bar, restaurant, and dance club. The space creates a unique dialogue between Congolese and Western contemporary music and design and facilitates cross-cultural coexistence. Höller lives and works in Stockholm, Sweden.

Reindeer (200) by Carsten Höller, via Wallpaper

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