Anuschka Alice von der Heyden
Judge Me
September 2012
Oil on canvas
(50 cm x 92 cm)
The piece Judge Me portrays a creature that may represent anything from a whale to an ant to a smoking ballerina. Fact is that it is alive and living. The creature is undoubtedly the main subject of the painting as it is well positioned in the center of the piece. But the fact that it is placed against a yellow rectangular sign along with its stern and rigid posture may hint at a “wanted” poster for a criminal. The viewer witnesses a strange ensemble of a static figure placed against a gently moving background, as though the creature has been caught in the spotlight of a continuously shifting world in which it has become subject to perpetual judgement. It tries to satisfy society’s expectations and struggles to conform with its conventions, torn between different and completely contradicting roles. Whilst seemingly light-hearted at first sight, the story behind the piece is more tragic than expected; caught up in acting out its roles, the creature slowly turns into society’s puppet. Perfection really does lead to the loss of identity after all.
Judge Me
September 2012
Oil on canvas
(50 cm x 92 cm)
The piece Judge Me portrays a creature that may represent anything from a whale to an ant to a smoking ballerina. Fact is that it is alive and living. The creature is undoubtedly the main subject of the painting as it is well positioned in the center of the piece. But the fact that it is placed against a yellow rectangular sign along with its stern and rigid posture may hint at a “wanted” poster for a criminal. The viewer witnesses a strange ensemble of a static figure placed against a gently moving background, as though the creature has been caught in the spotlight of a continuously shifting world in which it has become subject to perpetual judgement. It tries to satisfy society’s expectations and struggles to conform with its conventions, torn between different and completely contradicting roles. Whilst seemingly light-hearted at first sight, the story behind the piece is more tragic than expected; caught up in acting out its roles, the creature slowly turns into society’s puppet. Perfection really does lead to the loss of identity after all.