A selection from the series Abracadabra encompasses Pavlo Makov’s ongoing dialogue with Italo Calvino, the Italian writer, in search for modes to talk about and depict cities and, above all, invites the viewer to contemplate on the present situation in the world. Reminiscent of a book in the making, in Abracadabra black and white engravings serve as text and the coloured drawings as inserts – the stable structure of an urban labyrinth on some "pages" seems insignificant and meagre next to the holistic and monumental plant on others. The plant is clearly a product of human breeding. Today, however, it has moved beyond its creators and their decrepit world and is no longer their hostage. There is no longer room for a human being. Just as there is no longer room for the dominant view of humanity. It is this "measure of all things" viewpoint that has made a plant small and fragile and a building large and strong. But what if we remove humanity from the scene?
L’Atlas, galerie des mondes, 4 cour de l’Île Louviers, 75004 Paris, France
Open Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 7 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm and by appointment
About L’Atlas
Supported by the Emerige Group, L'Atlas invites foreign galleries or institutions to exhibit one or more artists from contemporary scenes that are not well represented in France. L'Atlas proposes an original model: the artistic direction of its 5 annual exhibitions is ensured jointly by Emerige's artistic projects department and the invited partner. These exhibitions are coupled with a cultural programme (conferences, talks, readings, screenings or concerts) and with visits or workshops aimed at a wide audience. The Atlas participates in the Emerige Group's ambitious programme of support for the contemporary art scene, with a programme focused mainly on international artists.
