Ellen Akimoto’s “Everybody’s in the Room” at Galerie Judin: A Layered Exploration of Consciousness

At Berlin’s Galerie Judin, artist Ellen Akimoto’s second solo exhibition, “Everybody’s in the Room,” invites art lovers on a profound journey into the depths of the human psyche. The exhibition’s centerpiece, from which it takes its name, is Akimoto’s most ambitious work to date: a twelve-meter, six-panel piece.

This central work depicts human figures in intense emotional states within a schematic interior, observed by a black cat. As the panels progress, everyday objects like a toothbrush and a charging cable begin to drift out of the room, transforming into “ghostly entities.” These objects ultimately dissolve into a landscape infused with Japanese aesthetics. This progression explores the shifting meanings of one’s relationship with oneself, others, and the material world.

Similar themes appear in other paintings in the exhibition, such as “Ghost Room,” “Sliding Glass Door,” and “Not Alone in the Pool.” In these works, architectural elements reflect or fragment human figures, suggesting complex psychological architectures.

Jungian Depths and the Metaphor of the Cat

Akimoto’s art draws parallels with the theories of early 20th-century psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, particularly his concepts of persona, animus, and shadow, offering a deep meditation on the fragmented nature of the self. These psychological dimensions are vividly visualized through domestic interiors and personal objects as reflections of inner states. The recurring cat figure in the exhibition adds another psychological layer. The accompanying text suggests that, much like cat owners who appreciate the inconsistencies in their pets, individuals may possess nuanced personality structures that make peace with their inner “ghosts and shadows.”

Following its presentation at Galerie Judin, the “Everybody’s in the Room” exhibition will tour to Kunstverein Ulm, opening in September 2025.

Exhibition Details:

Title: Everybody’s in the Room

Artist: Ellen Akimoto

Venue: Galerie Judin

Address: Potsdamer Straße 83, 10785 Berlin, Germany

Dates: On view until August 24, 2025