Alte Kameraden II
(each piece acrylic on canvas / 100x120 / 2012)
The series of paintings called “Alte Kameraden” is inspired by photos taken of WWI and WWII veterans. It consists of depictions of war mangled faces ( in a physical as well psychological sense), who just a few years back looked perfectly normal. It is a difficult and unpleasant subject, especially in these times when we are, more than ever, attached to our good looks and try to improve them.
I don’t strive for photographical likeliness in my paintings in order to give the defomities a suggestive and expressive look. My purpose is to intrigue the viewer not to create a feeling of disgust.
The passage of time plays a role in the paintings. It is not quite celar weather the injuries have happened in the past or are taking place at this moment. The wounds seem quite raw and alive, bringing to mind explosions, something that is happening here and now. I want to show that the people to whom this happened are reliving the moment even now. For them the moment is still alive. The wound will never heal.
