Paul Laakmann

Nach dem Ende, 2020, frottage, charcoal on paper, 29,7 x 21 cm, ed. 1/14

"I am a draughtsman by training and am interested in capturing the world and expressing myself through my actions. The starting point for my work is the recognition of my own limitations. Perception is subjective, fragmentary, and shaped by individual experiences. This subjectivity is not a shortcoming, but rather the prerequisite for my artistic practice.

My interest lies in social phenomena and in the forms of influence through which individuals are shaped and guided. Even though data-based systems and algorithmic logics now play a role in determining desires and decisions, influence is not a new phenomenon. Communities have always shaped their members through values and norms that are internalised and often taken for granted.

Power-critical positions such as those of Maria Eichhorn, Hans Haacke and Santiago Sierra, form an important point of reference for my work. In "Soziale Arbeit" (2022), the everyday act of seeing is reorganized: the seemingly free view is structured by a shelf-like object. In "Heft290520" (2020), the standardization of writing is dissolved; in its place, drawing emerges as an expression of individuality.

I work across media and in a situation-specific manner. I select materials and forms according to need and context: salt-dough sculptures in pizza boxes, which can be purchased at food prices in the "Schalttagsmenü" (2024); a self-tailored one-piece suit, worn in the performance "trauen" (2023); fictitious and original documents, brought together in the "Archiv der Akte Laackmann" (2024).

My interest in predetermined structures and limited scopes for action is also rooted in my personal history. Trained as a stonemason, I worked in restoration for many years. That is where the course was set: the task was to copy the forms of sculptors of the past, leaving little room for creativity. Looking back provides stability – and inspiration at the same time."

Curriculum vitae

*1990 in Mainz, DE
lives and works in Freiburg, DE

Education

2025 Referendariat in den Fächern Kunst und Gemeinschaftskunde Freiburg, DE
2021-24 M.Ed. Studium der Bildenden Kunst, Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Karlsruhe, DE
2021-24 M.Ed. Studium der Politikwissenschaft, Albert Ludwig-Universität Freiburg, DE
2017-21 B.Ed. Studium der Bildenden Kunst und Politikwissenschaft, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, DE
2013-21 Ausbildung zum und Arbeit als Steinbildhauer, Dombauhütte Mainz, DE
2012-13 Zeichenschule, Leipzig School of Design Leipzig, DE
2011-12 Ehrenamt in Druckladen des Gutenberg Museum Mainz, DE

Solo und Two-Person Shows

2024	„Archiv der Akte Laackmann“, Bildhauergarten, Karlsruhe, DE
2023	„Extrem Normal“, Kulturschmiede Nieder-Olm, DE „no present“, Atelier van Warmerdam, Karlsruhe, DE „dank kunst kontext“,Kalinowskiraum, Karlsruhe, DE
2021	„Unter Umständen“, Boppstraße, Mainz, DE
2020	„clopen“, Doppelausstellung mit Franzi Holbach, Apotheke, Mainz, DE

Group Shows (selection)

2024	Dürkheimer Straße 10, Karlsruhe, DE „Andere Menschen fühlen“, Schopf2, Freiburg, DE „Schalttag Vol. 2“, Gruppenausstellung mit Lukas Gartiser und Paul Schuseil, Kantine[16], Neustadt Weinstraße, DE
2023	„Scheibernhärdter“, Schloss Scheibenhardt, Karlsruhe, DE
2022	„Dreimer“, Schopf2, Freiburg, DE „Vor mir die Sinnflut“, Schopf2, Freiburg, DE „Golf lol“, Schloss Scheibenhardt, Karlsruhe, DE
2021	„Abschalten“, Campus der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, DE
2020	„Schalttag Vol. 1“, Gruppenausstellung mit Lukas Gartiser & Paul Laakmann, Schaltzentrale Boppstraße, Mainz, DE
2019	„Relay“, Apotheke, Mainz, und Swimmingpool Sofia, Mainz, DE