"Mike Mills: “The Only Way Out Is Through”"
2009-01-31 until 2009-03-14
Pool Gallery
Berlin, , DE Germany

The Pool Gallery in Berlin presents Mike Mills: “The Only Way Out Is Through” on exhibit from 31 January to 14 March, 2009. Mike Mills, born in Berkeley, California in 1966, may rightly be called a good all-rounder: So far, he has made a name for himself as a director and graphic designer. Having successfully directed commercials, short films and music videos for Yoko Ono, Air, Pulp and Zoot Woman, he made his debut in 2005 with the highly praised feature film “Thumbsucker“ (featuring, among others, Keanu Reeves, Tilda Swinton and Vince Vaughn). He also became famous for his album cover designs. His repertoire includes design and music classics for artists such as Sonic Youth, Beastie Boys, Beck and Air, but also for fashion labels such as Supreme, Marc Jacobs or X-Girl. In his works, Mike Mills successfully creates a lifestyle without ever lapsing into banality or losing a sense of pretension.

In 1996, Mike Mills and Roman Coppola co-founded the production company The Directors Bureau, representing artists such as Geoff McFetteridge, Shynola, Sofia Coppola, Aaron Rose and Mark Borthwick - yet more proof of his sixth sense for up-and-coming artists. Further projects include collaborations with Nieves, Collette in Paris, MoWax, Undftd and Mu Museum. Mike Mills is a permanent member of the community of "Beautiful Losers".

As an artist, Mills manages to switch between disciplines and embraces all of them with ease. His drawings, graphic art, photos and installations have been displayed in group and solo exhibitions all over the world. Pool Gallery is very pleased to be able to present his first solo exhibition in Germany. With the help of drawings, pamphlets, historic findings and music and video installations, Mills tries to examine how the individual interacts within the larger historic context. Where does the interface lie between history and personal feelings and decisions? Do the two have a mutual effect on one another? In his works, Mills not only deals with his own youth with particular focus on 1971 and 1978, but also with the youth of his audience by exploring the present.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Germany

Other Important Exhibitions in Berlin