Themes of fascination, repression, and rebellion simmer in Los Angeles-based painter Lari Pittman's first solo show at Berlin's c/o — Atle Gerhardsen, which includes large-scale acrylic and aerosol enamel works injected with African and folkloric motifs. Pittman uses color, line, and imagery to evoke uncontainable energy, delivering a sharp critique of European colonial history and cultural politics. In Attendant, a female servant fans a master reclining outside the canvas. Operetta's reggae colors depict masked figures dancing around a prominently displayed egg while a drugged and costumed European male shuffles awkwardly in the background. Courtyard features an intensely green cactus protruding from a webbed, vortex-like pit surrounded by ornate white lamps, tables, and chairs.

-CR