Overly Grand Manners: Volker Hermes Exaggerates Historic Portraits with Ostentatious Absurdity

All through seventeenth and 18th centuries, Europe’s higher lessons entered an period of unprecedented prosperity because of exploding commerce and commerce. The rich sought to precise their standing, and portraiture, which had beforehand been unique to royalty, turned the proper indicator of social rank. In England, these work turned referred to as Grand Method works, and the Dutch college counted well-known names like Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, and Frans Hals amongst its cohort, nonetheless charming us at this time at sellout exhibitions. For German artist Volker Hermes, this period of artwork historical past offers an infinite supply of inspiration.

Digital photocollages (beforehand) playfully reimagine the unique sitters in Hermes’ ongoing Hidden Portraits collection. Initially depicted by the likes of Dutch painter Nicolaes Pickenoy or French baroque artist Georges de La Tour, the themes in Hermes’ iterations are overwhelmed by their very own clothes to the purpose of absurdity. Brocade masks cowl one Elizabethan topic’s eyes, luxuriant robes prolong all the best way as much as foreheads, and lace ruffs engulf the wearers’ faces.

Hermes is drawn to particular traits within the unique work, equivalent to ribbons, which “carry historic pictures into movement,” he tells Colossal. “In the intervening time, I’m dealing loads with Rococo, which is at present getting lots of consideration, after being thought of kitsch for a very long time.” Depictions of masculinity all through historical past have additionally emerged as a brand new theme. “I wish to draw consideration as soon as once more to antiquated types of masculinity, which truly gave the impression to be outdated, however are at present changing into—sadly—enticing once more for a lot of males,” he says.

By means of July 8, you may go to Hermes’ solo exhibition Ruff Hood at James Freeman Gallery in London. He may also have work within the group exhibition Rococo Insanity! on the Nationwide Museum in Wroclaw, Poland, from July 14 by means of January 14, 2024. Discover extra on the artist’s web site and Instagram.

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