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Carsten HÖLLER Doppelpilzvitrine (2 Double-mushrooms) - 2009…
See original version (French)
42
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Carsten HÖLLER Doppelpilzvitrine (2 Double-mushrooms) - 2009…
See original version (French)
Estimate €15,000 - €20,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Carsten HÖLLER
Doppelpilzvitrine (2 Double-mushrooms) - 2009
Mushroom replica (polyurethane, acrylic paint), showcase (steel structure, glass)
30.5 x 50 x 25 cm
Mushroom replica (polyurethane, acrylic paint), vitrine (steel frame, glass)
12.00 x 19.68 x 9.84 in.
Provenance: Esther Schipper, Berlin
Acquired directly from her by the current owner
"We have drunk the Soma, we have become immortal, we have seen the light, we have joined the Gods".
Rig-Veda (ancient Indian Hindu text).
FR
In the Doppelpilzvitrine series, Carsten Höller once again plays on his dual role as scientist and artist. Polyurethane models of mushrooms are displayed in a glass case. This is a kind of fictitious genetic experiment in which the artist creates pairs, associating various species with the amanite. This artificial experiment is conducted with method and precision: each double mushroom rests on a round glass base and bears its own label; one half is always an amanite, the other a different species. Höller observes systematic rules and repetitive structures that disconcert the viewer: scientific truth and imagination merge in a work with surrealist and pop art traits. Faced with these mushrooms, the viewer can't help but wonder and imagine their characteristics, whether they have beneficial, curative or palliative properties, or devastating and deadly effects. The imagination could be allowed to wander even further, to the mushrooms of Alice in Wonderland, which shrank and enlarged things disproportionately. Nevertheless, if imagination can have dangerous effects like a poisonous mushroom, Höller places it behind glass, to allow contemplation while keeping its uncontrollable effects at bay. This produces an intensification of human desire and curiosity about the mystery of what is seen but not fully understood.
In 2026, Carsten Höller took part in the 61st Venice Biennale in the exhibition In Minor Keys curated by Koyo Kouoh.
EN
In Doppelpilzvitrine series, Carsten Höller once more plays with his role as a scientist and artist. Polyurethane models mushrooms are exhibited in a glass showcase. It is a kind of mock genetic experiment in which the artist creates pairs, in which various species are combined with amanita. This artificial experimentation is performed with method and precision: each double mushroom stands on a round glass base and has its own label; one half is always amanita and the other half is a different species. Höller observes systematic rules and repetitive structures that bewilder the viewer: scientific truth and imagination are confused in a work with traits of Surrealism and Pop art. In front of these mushrooms, the viewer cannot help wondering and imagining the characteristics of each one, whether it has beneficial, curative or palliative properties, or devastating and deadly effects. Imagination could be allowed to wander even further, to the mushrooms in Alice in Wonderland, which shrunk and enlarged things out of all proportion. Nevertheless, if imagination can have dangerous effects like a poisonous mushroom, Holler places it behind glass, to allow contemplation but keep its uncontrollable effects at a distance. This produces an increase in desire, and in human curiosity towards the mystery of that which is seen but not fully understood.
In 2026, Carsten Höller will participate in the 61st Venice Biennale as part of the exhibition *In Minor Keys*, curated by Koyo Kouoh.
Carsten HÖLLER
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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