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The exhibition will be presented in the gallery's three large exhibition rooms, where Waldach, in addition to a number of new drawings, will be showing the large site-specific work Pathos, which, with light, sound, and a mass of clues and symbols, will unite and transcend the gallery's two rear rooms.

Throughout history, human beings have created characters and symbols to help them grasp and retain their cultural and religious beliefs. The same symbols have often been used in different regions and religions, and have even developed quite independently of each other. According to Waldach, the same is true of pathos, i.e. the conscious attempt through a form of expression (such as music, the visual arts or literature) to appeal to the recipient's feelings and emotional empathy. With this exhibition, Waldach wishes to explore our relationship with these concepts, amongst other things by delving down into our own Northern European cultural history, and especially the Romantic period and its contradictions, inasmuch as the works contain references to both The Star Talers (from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale) and Antichrist (Friedrich Nietzsche and – much later – Lars von Trier).

Brigitte Waldach had her first solo exhibition at Galleri Bo Bjerggaard back in 2008, when the gallery showed a series of large drawings in her characteristic red lines, typically with motifs – a woman in a room, etc. – that were reminiscent of drawn film stills. Since then Waldach has developed and loosened her expression, although she still relates in a dogmatic and extremely disciplined manner to her artistic work.

Recently, Waldach’s drawings and spectacular installations could be experienced in solo exhibitions at Emden Kunsthalle, Kalmar Konstmuseum and Stavanger Museum. Waldach’s works are also to be found in many public collections, including the Albertina in Vienna, Neuer Berliner Kunstverein in Berlin and ARoS in Aarhus.

Brigitte Waldach was born in 1966 and studied at the Berlin University of the Arts under Professor Georg Baselitz. She lives and works in Berlin.

In connection with the exhibition a catalogue is being published, in which Lena Nievers of Kunsthalle Emden has interviewed Brigitte Waldach on her work and the ideas behind Pathos.

The opening reception will take place on Friday 20 January from 4.00 - 6.00 pm.

Brigitte Waldach will be present at the opening.

The exhibition Brigitte Waldach – Pathos can be seen at Galleri Bo Bjerggaard until 17 March 2012.