Small Language Models

Britta Rettberg Gallery

Installation view Small Language Models, Britta Rettberg gallery, Munich (DE)
Installation view Small Language Models, Britta Rettberg gallery, Munich (DE)
Calorgraph #7 (Money / tree). Heat and sweat on carbon steel in artist frame. 31x21cm.
Calorgraph #4 (All Seasons). Heat and sweat on carbon steel in artist frame. 31x21cm.
Calorgraph #3 (A Sea). Heat and sweat on carbon steel in artist frame. 31x21cm.
Calorgraph #2 (All Sons). Heat and sweat on carbon steel in artist frame. 31x21cm.
Calorgraph #1 (All Seasons). Heat and sweat on carbon steel in artist frame. 31x21cm.
Calorgraph #1 (All Seasons). Heat and sweat on carbon steel in artist frame. 31x21cm.
Installation view Small Language Models, Britta Rettberg gallery, Munich (DE)
Calorgraph #5 & #6 (EARTH). Heat and sweat on carbon steel in artist frame. 31x21cm.
Calorgraph #5 (EARTH). Heat and sweat on carbon steel in artist frame. 31x21cm.
Calorgraph #6 (EARTH). Heat and sweat on carbon steel in artist frame. 31x21cm.
Installation view Small Language Models, Britta Rettberg gallery, Munich (DE)
Sentiments. 2019. Text, coins and keys rubbed into denim. 90x75cm.
Supra individuel. Text, coins and keys rubbed into denim. 90x75cm.

Small Language Models brings together two bodies of work. The two denim pieces Sentiments and Supra-Individuel, feature texts and impressions of pocket-related objects rubbed into the fabric, resembling the outline of a smartphone that is consistently worn in the same pocket of a person’s favorite jeans. These two works are paired with Lahuis’ most recent series, titled Calorgraphs. This series consists of oxidized metal plates that are heated until 300 degrees and onto which the artist has drawn images using sweat. Calorgraph combines the Latin word for heat with the suffix -graph, commonly associated with graphic reproduction techniques. The works reflect on heat, atmospheric conditions and the representation of nature in commercial contexts. Both series in the exhibition Small Language Models ground the reproduction of information in natural processes and the body. - Britta Rettberg Gallery