My current project “Spiegelschatten” (Mirror Shadows) deals with the aesthetics of social networks, specifically its effects on the psyche of the user. The conformation of selfies to the plain surface of mainstream leaves the feeling of self- esteem scared. Influenced by these ideals, I look at my own female body, knowing well that all humans, even men succumb to these compulsions.
In this ongoing series I explore my body using my cellphone-camera. The phone, almost being a body part, becomes the tool of my body-exploration while also serving as the image-carrier of my paintings. Oberdimensioned to scale the cellphone looses its handy, cute size. Larger than life, it stands monumentally in the room, laning on a wall or laying on the ground. The cellphone monstrously engulfes its surroundings. The proportions between user and phone reverse, mirroring the overwhelming control of the device over its users. My research challenges digital body-ideals and the norms of the Social-Media-World. By revealing my inner doubts on canvas, I reconquer the authorship of my body by painting my personal shadow, thus revealing and embracing it. Out of this self-portrayal a surreal mirror-image of „soul-body“ and „body-soul“ emerges.
