Project Text
In his series
Eschaton, Matthias Koch delves into the concept of the end of the world, offering a perspective that is both melancholic and contemplative. The term "Eschaton," borrowed from theology, refers to the end times—a notion that for Koch signifies not only destruction but also a reflection on the current state of the world and the fragility of human existence.
His work captures the tension between awe for the beauty of the present and the constant awareness of its impermanence.Koch’s use of black and white in
Eschaton serves to decontextualize his images, creating an abstraction that transcends the boundaries of time and space. This aesthetic choice allows viewers to focus on composition and contrast, while also inviting them to engage with deeper philosophical questions about the human condition. The monochrome treatment reinforces the idea of a world in suspension—caught between an uncertain future and a past that cannot be changed.The series draws inspiration from philosophers like Kierkegaard, whose observation that “the world will end to the applause of those who believe it’s a farce” captures humanity’s collective indifference to looming environmental, political, and social crises. Koch’s photographs reflect this willful ignorance of impending disaster, posing the question of what will remain when humanity reaches its own end.
With
Eschaton, Koch encourages the viewer to reflect deeply on the fragility of the world and the necessity of recognizing our responsibility in ensuring humanity’s survival. His images act as both silent warnings and poetic testimonies to the imminence of change, urging a sense of urgency and awareness.
Matthias Koch is an artist and photographer originally from Germany. He lived and worked in Chile, Venezuela, Mexico and France and currently established his basecamp in the South of France.
Discover his work on
www.matthiaskoch.co
