Martin Eder: Parasites

Berlin-based painter Martin Eder (born 1968) has dedicated his career to exploring the illusory possibilities of painting and its meaning. His canvases are dominated by a shifting palette of vivid color and hyperreal depictions of contrasting textures. His subjects, which range from oversized pets to nude men and women, question received ideas of value, taste, and “high” and “low” art.
Parasites presents a varied selection of Eder’s work from the past 14 years, alongside new paintings and installation shots. Curator Hugh Allan provides a foreword to the publication, reading religious shame into Eder’s paintings, while writer Jane Neal reflects on what the artist’s works have to say about contemporary culture. Also included is a conversation between Eder and German writer Thomas Girst, in which the artist shares some of the ideas and influences behind his singular painting style.