Rehberger’s waist chains for GEMS AND LADDERS It’s very warm when the sun comes out (1998/2006) encapsulate his artistic career over the past 20 years and demonstrate his collaborative and playful approach. The jewels were first worn by invigilators at the first Berlin Biennial in 1998; they could only be seen if visitors asked the staff to reveal them. The chains were engraved with the wearers’ names but were returned to the artist after exhibition. For the subsequent exhibition at London gallery Haunch of Venison in 2006 each gold chain gained a unique bright graphic enameling. As striking as the chains are, they are likely to be worn as private treasures.
German artist Tobias Rehberger (b. 1966) studied with Martin Kippenberger and Thomas Bayrle at the Städelschule in Frankfurt – where he now teaches – and has exhibited at prestigious venues including the Whitechapel Gallery, Stedelijk Museum…
