Christoph Bartolmäs & Axel Bunt | Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps | Galerie Z22 | 06.09.-04.10.2025

{Play}until 04.10. | #4823ARTatBerlin | Galerie Z22 shows from 06. September 2025 the Duo-exhibition “Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps” by the artists Christoph Bartolmäs and Axel Bunt.

The German view of life is often characterised by the separation of seriousness and fun, which is expressed by the saying “Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps”. Many terms come into play here that reflect our culture and our view of work. Phenomena such as duty fulfilment, civil service law and duty rosters are not just bureaucratic side effects, but also expressions of a deeply rooted work ethic and loyalty to the employer.

At the company party, the focus is on informal socialising; people also want to get a little closer to each other in private. But anyone who goes too far overboard here (looks too deeply into the glass) can damage their own career.

This is hinted at in the painting “oder flirten auf der Betriebsfeier” by Christoph Bartolmäs. People are drinking and engaged in dialogue, one man seems to be pondering a little indecisively. The title hints at the nature of his thoughts, perhaps he could do the same as the colleague to his left and get to know a female colleague better during an intimate conversation.
In Germany, it is important to exercise a certain amount of power without overstepping the boundaries of what is permitted. The structures are clearly defined: Citizens have to abide by rules, while institutions are keen to uphold these rules.

This often leads to an immovable separation between leisure time and working time, as if one represents freedom and the other obligation.
Although this approach may reflect fundamental values such as discipline and perseverance, it leaves little room for human complexity and the joy of life.
The fulfilment of duty is shown in an ironic way in the picture “Card Trio in the Theft and Burglary Department” by Bartolmäs. The friendly colleagues are engrossed in a card game. An employee is watching them excitedly and has already placed her hands on her favourite. Citizens can take care of the protection of their own property. The poster on the wall reminds them.

In Axel Bunt’s work “Temptation”, the dynamics between the sexes and social roles are thematised in a subtle, yet playfully ironic way. The depiction of the woman, who appears surprised, leaves room for interpretation about her position within society and the expectations placed on her. The men, identifiable as construction workers and policemen, stand in contrast to their role and appear to be rather passive companions in this scene. The question of who is being tempted here and where the service ends and the booze begins remains open.

The situation in Bunt’s work “Ich hab Polizei” is completely different: The police as an institution of state power in a civil war-like setting. The officer in the foreground appears menacing, his weapon ready for action, a helicopter circling in the background, all against a dystopian backdrop. The reduced colour palette underlines the spooky atmosphere.

Opening: Saturday, 06. September 2025, at 7 pm.

Exhibition dates: Saturday, 06. September – Saturday, 04. October 2025