Butterfly in the Stomach Sarah Caillard

Sarah Caillard (b. 1988 in Paris, Fr) presents her first solo exhibition, Butterfly in the stomach, with Ruttkowski;68 in Cologne.

Inspired by the metamorphosis of insects, particularly the transition from caterpillar to butterfly, caillard explores themes of intimacy, memory, and identity. The butterfly, which preserves memory in spite of its transformation and passes on part of it to the next generation, serves as a vehicle for the artist’s exploration of the ever-evolving nature of the human psyche.

Using molds of herself and close friends, caillard creates concrete sculptures that reinterpret iconic female figures from art history and pop culture. By blending sacred and secular symbols, these works examine the tension between personal identity and external representation. In doing so, caillard transforms the traditional static nature of sculpture, introducing movement and fluidity into the medium. In her silk paintings, she extends the exploration of epigenetic transmission, leaving visible traces of the weaving process, which recalls the continuity of memory across generations. Resembling a deck of cards, the series showcases intimate gestures that link the physical and the psychological.

Butterfly in the stomach evokes the unsettling yet transformative sensation of change, merging biological processes with emotional states, while pushing the body beyond a mere motif.

Opening reception       11/07/2025        6-8 PM

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