Ship of Myth, Temple of Zeus
Ralph Baiker, 2009
Information
Created in 2009, Ship of Myth is a photographic composition printed on a diasec face with a honeycomb aluminum panel substrate. The work’s dimensions (235 × 173.78 cm) make it imposing, with a strong presence in the space, creating a dynamic architectural statement with a minimalist aesthetic and conceptual depth.
Artistic Context
The German artist Ralph Baiker (b. 1966, Filderstadt-Bonlanden) is active in the field of conceptual photography. His work revolves around the idea that people understand reality through cultural semiotic systems—architectural, linguistic, historical, or geographical.
Within a globalized world where such systems clash daily, Ship of Myth captures the rift between these symbols: a point at which authenticity appears to be lost, yet simultaneously transformed. Baiker explores this contradiction—the coexistence of the illusory and the “new authentic” in a visual field that seems static but is essentially fluid.
Placement & Dynamics at The Met
Ship of Myth belongs to The Met Hotel’s permanent collection and is placed indoors where the work’s geometry interacts with the architecture of the space. With the urban landscape serving as a backdrop, it invites the visitor to re-examine their relationship with symbol, space, and history.
The work is integrated into the hotel’s broader visual strategy, strengthening the dialogue between hospitality and contemporary art.
Why it deserves your attention
- Conceptual Depth: It comments on cultural semiotics and the loss of authenticity in a globalized world.
- Aesthetic Precision: The photographic composition combines pure form with a narrative undertone.
- Interaction with the Space: The work’s geometry enhances the experience of the architecture and the journey through the space.