Still Leben

The exhibition "Still Leben" at Galerie Jocelyn Wolff, Paris, presents a new body of work by Miriam Cahn. These pieces, largely created recently, focus on objects, domestic scenes, and interiors, moving away from the prominent depiction of bodies found in earlier works. The scale of the works is smaller to medium, with less emphasis on dramatic contrasts. Cahn explores "le ménage," or housework, and the domestic world, painting and drawing objects that are within reach, such as tools, furniture, and clothing.

These still lifes deviate from traditional genre conventions, appearing minimally composed with close, direct framing. While some objects like glasses or ladders are gender-neutral, others like handbags or gloves offer subtle clues. The exhibition highlights the density of a world centered on gestures and practices related to women's bodies and their role in maintaining households. Despite the quietude suggested by "Still Leben" (meaning "still life" in German), the works are dynamic, with latent movement and an exploration of the organization of domestic spaces and the actions of care. The artist emphasizes "Einmaligkeit," the uniqueness of everyday objects and the intimate world they inhabit.