Sonja Gerdes

Sonja Gerdes,

Sonja Gerdes’s practice investigates the relationship and interactions between the body, energy, and air and what it means to be human. Her starting point is a conceptual science fiction project called Oxygenenergizer (OE), which explores a future in which machines create energy from oxygen and “breathing” is recognized as the connecting force between all life and spirits on the planet. It speaks poetically about the contemporary human condition as an ongoing, infinite, fluid, adaptive movement despite the stark reality of climate change. Taking the form of a custom site-specific installation including textiles, sculpture, sound, and prints, the Gas truck gallery will be reconceived as a hub for the Oxygenenergizer. Visitors are invited to listen and mindfully breathe together within its structure, encouraging a sense of collectivity. This dimension is furthered by performances and interactive workshops that create meaningful dialogue around air and energy’s boundless potential. The exhibition creates a gathering place centered on the breath as a vital aspect of the human experience, while giving concrete shape to urgent conversations regarding the environment.

Sonja Gerdes

Sonja Gerdes was born in Germany. She studied at the University of the Arts in Berlin, and from 2007-2013, co-ran the Berlin-based artist run space, Infernoesque. She lives and works in Los Angeles and Berlin. Recent exhibitions include Pie of Trouble. Stays Trouble. Let’s Hang. Breathe. Oxygenenergizer. Becoming With. Genderless Breath. Animal Creature Plant Breath Soul. Air For Free. Do spiders breathe? The Multiple Amorphous Us. Crown Chakra – Sahasrara Rising. Nova, Cloaca Projects, San Francisco; Direct Contact, D21, Leipzig; School for Endurance Work, Cal State La, Los Angeles; Pie of Trouble. Let’s Hang. Air for Free. Uncertainty. Absurdity. You look at it but it doesn’t exist. Anahata. Vishuda rising. Unpredictability, Cirrus Gallery, Los Angeles; When the sea looks back. A Serpent’s Tale. The Many Headed Hydra #02, District, Berlin; Pie of Trouble. Let’s Hang. You look at it but it doesn’t exist. Air for free and The Elegant Universe, The Pit, Los Angeles, CA; Unblinking Eye, Kavi Gupta Gallery, Berlin, Germany; and informell natur, Sabine Knust, Berlin, Germany. sonjagerdes.com