Everyday Gallery presents 'unusual experiences' a solo exhibition by Florian Hetz

#SaveTheDate – ‘unusual experiences’ is Florian Hetz’s first solo show at Everyday Gallery, curated by Mamali Shafahi. Opening Friday 14 July from 6 – 8.30 pm. Florian Hetz’s practice emphasises sensuality and tactility, in ‘unusual experiences’ he seeks to further explore these themes.

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This appeal to the senses is thematically recurring in Hetz’s body of work, stating that viewers should be able to feel as though they could almost touch and smell the subjects of his photographs. The intimate manner in which subjects are depicted extends beyond the photographs of bodies, Hetz draws similarities between his human and non-human subjects through compositional and stylistic consistency, allowing these non-human subjects the same tenderness and tactility. Through his subjects and their framing, Hetz counters socio-cultural conventions of portraiture as well as challenging and playing with the idea of masculinity and the body. He aims to uproot hidden desires and memories, facilitating a space wherein the viewer can navigate these themes in a meaningful way. Hetz wants you to stare, not look away.

‘unusual experiences’ is Everyday Gallery’s summer exhibition opening on Friday, July 14, and will be on view until August 27. The solo exhibition is scheduled to overlap with Antwerp Pride, thereby contributing to a more extensive view of intimacy and sexuality. This way offers, next to the activities in the city centre of Pride, an extra dynamic on the celebration of love and a sense of community through art.

Florian Hetz is a Berlin-based artist who initially embarked on a career in theatre. However, his path took a different turn when he encountered memory loss due to encephalitis in 2007. In an effort to counteract this loss, Hetz turned to photography as a means of documenting his daily experiences during the recovery process. What started as a photographic diary gradually evolved into a creative exploration of memory itself. By capturing images based on his memories, or the absence thereof, Hetz delves into the subjective nature of recollection.

Through his work, he explores the fragmented and elusive nature of memory, offering viewers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the mind. Hetz’s artistic endeavours have resulted in the publication of three books, showcasing his unique perspective and artistic vision. His work has been widely exhibited both in group and solo shows, gaining international recognition for its evocative and thought-provoking nature. Currently living and working in Berlin, Hetz continues to push the boundaries of photographic expression, inviting audiences to reflect on the intricacies of memory and personal experience through his captivating visual narratives.

Florian Hetz has, next to being included in several art books, 3 books published on his work, from which “Zwei” and “The Matter of Absence” are sold out. Has collaborated with fashion brands Marni and Diesel, and was artist in residency at the Tom of Finland Foundation in 2018/19. His work is collected in the foundation and Florian will do another residency there later this year.