Tryptich-Series: Rip-it-of

My intention with this series is to present the ways in which people’s expressions significantly shifted when obligated to wear masks during the period of the covid crisis. As a visual artist, I wished to chronicle the noticeable change that seemed, to me, to underline preocuppations on both liberty and identity. Our masks, quite literally, masked all. Facial expressions became stunted, even nullified, eyes seemed somehow duller and melancholic. Further, this restriction affected all regardless of age, gender or race; we all experienced a sense of being somehow less than we were before. The portrayed models come from Fürth, Cologne (Germany) and Toulouse (France). My portraits therefore, are symbolic for the loss of joy and laughter we collectively experienced during this period. They are a totem for a period of suspension from the status quo, a time of limbo, a liminal space even. Further, since 2020/21 recent evidence is showing a rise in depression and anxiety particularly in young adolescents where freedom of expression is so critical. This needs noting. Natural light with a plain, simple background seemed an obvious choice given the discourse of artificiality imposed on so many. The 13 tryptichs are printed on outdoor tarpaulins in a large format and should be hung along a fence or a wall in a public sphere with high frequency. Ease of accessibility invites passers-by of all age groups and social backgrounds to reflect upon this critical period. Finally my title, ‘Rip It Off’ connotes an act of rebellion reminding us of all our possible choices. The series is my second artistic response to the change of paradigm in which we have been plunged since March 2020. The first portrait series « Quand même / Anyway / Trotzdem. Lockdown fotografie du confinement » was exhibited in public spaces twice in 2021 and is currently being edited as a photo book, that will be published in 2023.