The exhibition “Gathering” by Philipp Kremer presents a series of works that explore the dynamics of communities, intimacy, and the tensions between closeness and distance. The paintings are characterized by an intense use of color and an apparent randomness in their selection, which lends the compositions a unique blend of spontaneity and structure. Figures appear in abstracted forms, their contours often soft and flowing into one another, blurring the boundaries between the individual and the collective. In these scenes, intimate encounters become collective moments that convey both familiarity and anonymity.

Kremer’s paintings carry a suggestive ambiguity: the harmonious interplay of colors and forms contrasts with the subtle emotional undertones and implied power dynamics within the depicted groups. The figures, often in close physical contact or proximity, seem both interconnected and separated. Through the variations in posture and gaze, a broad spectrum of potential relationships is revealed—ranging from intimacy and solidarity to confrontation or isolation.

The works resonate with art historical traditions that delve into the human condition and expressive use of color. The vibrant palette recalls the works of Henri Matisse, while the charged group compositions evoke associations with Egon Schiele. At the same time, the paintings seem to draw on the legacy of 1970s performance art, where the body became a medium for exploring social and emotional themes. Kremer translates this performative quality into painting, creating intimate scenes that feel both voyeuristic and inviting.

The largest canvas in the exhibition amplifies these impressions, highlighting the physicality of the figures, while the smaller works possess a more restrained, almost introspective quality. Across all the pieces, an underlying ambivalence emerges: on the one hand, they appear as utopian visions of community, yet they simultaneously reveal tensions and uncertainties. The boundaries between the individual and the collective, between belonging and distance, remain fluid. In this way, the paintings reflect contemporary questions about community and individuality in a world that is increasingly digital and, paradoxically, isolating.

Philipp Kremer’s exhibition invites viewers to examine and question the complexity of human relationships. The works create spaces that extend beyond the depicted scenes, involving the viewer in their dynamics. They challenge us to engage with the tensions presented and reflect on our own perceptions of intimacy, power, and belonging. Balancing composition and chance, harmony and tension, the paintings generate an atmospheric density that lingers, offering a renewed exploration of the meaning of community and intimacy.