Patara Gallery presents โFeline Anxiety and the Inner Childโ a solo exhibition of young Austrian artist Sebastian Mittl.
29 November, 2024- 30 January, 2025
The exhibition investigates the psychological connections between the themes of cats, hair, and change. At its heart, the show represents the artist's struggle with hesitationโpainting cats, an apparently disagreeable challenge, becomes a symbol for embracing vulnerability and spontaneity. The exhibition, anchored by the centrepiece sculpture Cat with Anxiety and Inner Child, explores the emotional duality of dread and want, surrounded by textural images of water and warm car hoods. These elements, which represent a cat's fears and desires, symbolise a lighthearted, yet emotional dialogue with the artist's inner child, whose presence serves as a guide to rediscovering the joy of creation under the weight of creative seriousness.
This show represents a watershed moment in the artist's career, transitioning from a largely visual and technique-driven approach to one that unabashedly deals with self-reflection and psychological depth. Following their 2023 graduation show, Egoloch (Ego Hole), this piece of work delves deeper into personal psychology while refusing self-exploitation. The artwork "Archdemon" (from "Egoloch") sits in sharp contrast to the "Inner Child", representing the universal ego as a gloomy counterpoint to vulnerability and playfullness. While peering into the cat's head reveals the inner child, "Archdemon" serves as a reminder of the ego's persistent influence, which is always observing and shaping the psyche. By allowing spontaneity to guide the creative process, the artist transports viewers to a realm beyond logic, combining gloomy emotions with intellectual precision. The ultimate product is a heartfelt reflection on change, play, and the delicate balance of love and anxiety in the artistic process.