*Eigenface (A)*, 2021, gelatin silver print, aluminium composite material, aluminium, cardboard, bookbinding linen, 80 x 70 x 3.5 cm, ed. 3 + 1AP
Courtesy of Ulrich Gebert and Klemm’s, Berlin

Written by Wenjie (Demi) Zhao

Photo Edited by Olivia Castillo

Copy Edited by Kee’nan Haggen

The enigmatic and haunting realm of facial recognition unfolds in Ulrich Gebert's latest exhibition, Eigenface, currently on display at Klemm's Gallery in Berlin. A mesmerizing blend of conceptual photographs and installation works, this exhibition takes visitors on an enthralling exploration of the blurred lines between the human and the non-human, the analog and the digital, and the factual and the fictional. Gebert's captivating solo show, which is part of the European Month of Photography, questions the boundaries of our understanding of facial recognition and exposes the power dynamics and invasive implications inherent in its practice.

*Eigenface (N)*, 2021, gelatin silver print, aluminium composite material, aluminium, cardboard, bookbinding linen, 80 x 70 x 3.5 cm, ed. 3 + 1AP
Courtesy of Ulrich Gebert and Klemm’s, Berlin

A once clandestine technique employed by intelligence agencies, facial recognition systems has permeated our public and private spheres, influencing daily life subtly and overtly. Eigenface delves deep into this controversial territory, examining the progression of the photographic portrait as a medium for inventory and archiving. Gebert's works wrestle with themes of order, categorization, hierarchy, functionalization, and instrumentalization. He reveals the violence and control inherent in systems that attempt to classify and quantify the human experience.

Ulrich Gebert, *Eigenface* Installation View
Courtesy of Ulrich Gebert and Klemm’s, Berlin

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are immediately enveloped in an immersive and disorienting environment reminiscent of a photographic-physiognomic “Wunderkammer,” or ‘cabinet of curiosities.’ Here, Gebert has masterfully drawn a grid that spans the entire gallery space, enclosing his artworks within an intricate cage. This network connects the pieces within the exhibition and symbolizes the growing interconnectedness of our increasingly digitized lives.

*Eigenface (E)*, 2021, gelatin silver print, aluminium composite material, aluminium, cardboard, bookbinding linen, 132 x 90 x 3.5 cm, ed. 3 + 1AP
Courtesy of Ulrich Gebert and Klemm’s, Berlin

Gebert's Eigenface transformative power lies in its ability to shatter the limitations of binary attributions. It challenges the viewer to reevaluate traditional portraiture and contemplate facial recognition's complexity. No longer can the photographically portrayed face be seen as a simple, representative form. Instead, the actual cognitive value emerges through their association with other images and information. Gebert's exploration of the fine line between the made and the found adds another layer of depth to this exhibition. In an era where the distinction between the authentic and the fabricated has become increasingly murky, Eigenface compels the viewer to consider the role of photographic portraiture in the digital manipulation and surveillance age. It exposes the viewer to the troubling reality that the most seemingly innocuous images can be utilized for sinister purposes.

One of the most striking aspects of Eigenface is Gebert's capacity to expose the quiet violence hidden within techniques of order and cultivation. Through his expert manipulation of visuals and space, Gebert draws attention to how our desire for organization can be weaponized against us. The exhibition serves as a potent reminder of the profound consequences that can stem from our blind submission to systems of control and classification.

*Eigenface (H)*, 2021, gelatin silver print, aluminium composite material, aluminium, cardboard, bookbinding linen, 39 x 42 x 3 cm, ed. 3 + 1AP
Courtesy of Ulrich Gebert and Klemm’s, Berlin

Ulrich Gebert's Eigenface at Klemm's Gallery is an enthralling, thought-provoking journey through the ever-evolving realm of facial recognition. By masterfully blending photography, installation, and social commentary elements, Gebert has created a mesmerizing exhibition that compels visitors to question their understanding of identity, authenticity, and privacy. With Eigenface, Gebert reaffirms his status as a leading voice in contemporary art, unafraid to engage with our time's most pressing and controversial issues.

For more information, visit Klemm's Gallery's website.