OPENINGS

24 November 2024

BRUNG Gallery welcomes visitors to
Caroline Heinecke’s “Paw Paradox”

On November 21st, BRUNG Gallery unveiled Paw Paradox, a captivating exhibition by Berlin-based artist Caroline Heinecke. This thought-provoking showcase explores the complex and often bizarre historical and legal intersections of humans and animals, sparking reflections on themes that resonate deeply in both historical and contemporary contexts.

The Enigma of Animal Trials and Modern Law

Paw Paradox delves into the peculiar history of animal trials — judicial proceedings where animals were accused, tried, and sentenced for crimes. These trials, spanning centuries, reveal a fascinating intersection of human belief systems, legal frameworks, and societal norms. From the trial of a rooster accused of witchcraft in 1474 to the infamous hanging of a circus elephant in Tennessee in 1916, Heinecke’s exhibition reanimates these stories through compelling visuals and multimedia works. The exhibition poses questions about how we, as humans, have historically extended — or denied —  our legal and moral constructs to animals.

But the exhibition doesn’t stop at the historical. It also critiques modern legal frameworks, highlighting cases like the 2018 “Monkey Selfie” lawsuit, which debated whether a monkey could own the copyright to a photograph it took. Through her art, Heinecke probes the limitations and anthropocentrism of current animal laws and their implications for animal rights and human accountability.

A Journey Through History and Law

Visitors to Paw Paradox are transported across time and geography, encountering gripping narratives such as:

• The Basel Rooster Trial of 1474, where a rooster was accused of laying an egg, thought to be an ominous act of sorcery.
• The chilling story of Mary the Elephant, publicly executed in Tennessee in 1916 after she killed a circus worker.
• The Hartlepool Monkey Trial, a tale of wartime paranoia where a monkey, dressed in a French military uniform, was executed by locals as a suspected spy.

Through detailed accounts and evocative imagery, the exhibition bridges the absurdity of these past incidents with their profound ethical implications. It also highlights the humanity — or lack thereof — in our treatment of animals, prompting viewers to reconsider the boundaries of morality and justice.

Artistic Innovation Meets Historical Inquiry

Heinecke’s artistic practice amplifies the surreal and reflective nature of her subject matter. Incorporating still life photography with elements generated by artificial intelligence, her work blurs the lines between real and artificial, organic and constructed. This technique complements the themes of Paw Paradox, especially in its exploration of ownership, agency, and authenticity in art and life.

The images, meticulously composed yet infused with an otherworldly detachment, draw viewers into a suspended reality. Heinecke’s ability to create a sense of life within stillness mirrors the paradoxical motionlessness of history itself — a past full of stories waiting to be revisited.

Meet the Artist: Caroline Heinecke

Born in 1986 in Nordhausen, Caroline Heinecke is a Berlin-based artist whose work combines visual storytelling and innovative photographic techniques. After studying visual communication in Dessau, she transitioned to photography, studying at the Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie in Berlin. Her fine art and still life photography often explore niche societies, identity, and the interplay between the real and imagined.

Heinecke’s works have been featured in renowned exhibitions such as Les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles and the Copenhagen Photo Festival. Paw Paradox at BRUNG Gallery is the latest chapter in her exploration of history, society, and the surreal.

Visit Paw Paradox

Paw Paradox will run at BRUNG Gallery through November 30, 2024. Visitors are invited to explore this compelling exhibition and join a broader dialogue about our shared history with the animal kingdom. With its blend of artistic innovation and historical insight, Paw Paradox promises to be a journey into the complexities of human-animal relationships.

Follow us on social media for updates and event highlights. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this extraordinary exhibition!

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