Martin Chramosta studied at Basel Academy of Art and Design and Vienna University of Applied Arts. He works mostly with the mediums of sculpture, drawing and performance. In his work, Chramosta examines the contemporary value and social relevance of historical forms. Drawing on this inspiration, he uses a variety of media to create material and non-material assemblages, often working with found items and objects or forming them from clay, wax or plaster. Important references for his work include the aesthetics (and materials) of real socialism, historical architecture and heraldry.

In his Cahier, entitled “Hotel Europa”, Martin Chramosta presents an impressive collection of photographs. The approximately 300-page book contains images that Chramosta collected over the last five years as photographic sketches and notes. They document objects, moments and monuments, providing a fascinating glimpse into his work process. The selection of images conveys stories about work and travel, locations and spaces. Using the language of photography, Martin Chramosta invites readers to take a deep dive into his world and creation process. The photographs stand out for their clarity, their aesthetic composition and their ability to capture the essence of the places and objects depicted in them.

The publication contains a short story by Ann-Kathrin Eickhoff, written following a conversation with the artist about Los Angeles, Rome, art in public spaces, hotels and writers. The story complements the visual impressions and creates a resonant space for Chramosta’s images.

Ann-Kathrin Eickhoff (lives and works in Zurich and Berlin), who wrote the text contribution for Martin Chramosta’s cahier, is an author, curator, and currently artistic co-director of Halle für Kunst Lüneburg. Previously, she worked as a curator at Kunstverein Nürnberg and at the ETH Zurich, where she also studied.

The publication can be ordered from Pro Helvetia at the following link:
https://prohelvetia.ch/en/order-form-cahiers-dartistes-2023/