The idea of so-called “classical beauty,” under the overarching title « SACRALITÉ », thematically connects to Karl Lagerfeld’s exhibition at the Hamburger Kunsthalle (2014). Lagerfeld described “classical beauty” as “something very ephemeral, to which people continually return.” However, within contemporary art, beauty is not only positively connoted - quite the opposite: it is often misunderstood and dismissed as superficial or unreflective.

In the performance « LA BEAUTÉ CLASSIQUE », I aim - through its unbroken engagement with “classical beauty” - to point to a certain painful condition without judging it. In reference to Anne Imhof, my intention is to show something as it is, not to pass judgment. The confrontation of an ever-critical, judgmental art practice with the theme of classical beauty carries a certain irony for me, as art itself often tends toward idealization and, in doing so, fails due to its own artificial character.

Sarcasm plays a central role in my work and serves - partly influenced by Demna Gvasalia (former Creative Director of Balenciaga) - as a means of reflection rather than mere irony. Sarcasm, in this sense, is a form of seriousness that calls itself into question.

Especially within my generation, beauty is an unsettling and often taboo subject. Although our society appears to be moving away from classical ideals of beauty, these standards remain influential and are even intensified and idealized through social media. This contradiction points to a fundamental issue of honesty and stands in strong contrast to art history, which has traditionally defined classical beauty through clear attributes. That this phenomenon also affects painting seems self-evident.