Kai Altoff’s exhibition in MoMa is a well-executed portal into the artist’s life. Altoff designed the exhibition as a fully immersed experience, stimulating our sight, scent, and hearing. Although not in chronological order, it tells the story of his life. Full of dark emotions, he explores the definition of masculinity of post-war Germany. Perhaps the most intriguing displays were of the glass-covered mattress and the record label with a man’s face in black and white.

The destroyed mattress covered in shattered glass symbolizes all the pain and agony that have taken away the comfort in his life. The mattress represents comfort, a place of assuagement after a long day. Yet when laid down upon, the glass scattered over it causes sharp pain.

The man’s face, perhaps Kai’s, is black and white. However, it is wrapped in a yellow scarf and covered in an orange hat. . We see here how Kai struggles with the identity of masculinity. Men serving in WWI and WWII are usually pictured covered soot, blood, and sweat. Moving forward to the post-war era, Kai wants to bring in new life, consisting of sharper contrast and brighter hues. The image symbolizes the transition between the masculine figures during wartime to the post-war masculine figure.