ZukunftStadt 1.2

‘ZukunftStadt 1.2’ is a mixed-media work on paper. This picture is subtitled ‘Personenkult’. It is an oil-acrylic painting featuring a single collaged paper fragment, which depicts a found image of a futuristically designed head. In my mixed-media works, I explore structures, texture, buildings, spaces, three-dimensionality and perspective. I realise these elements in my artistic practice through the layering of paint and materials. I make room for multi-perspective or false perspective in my paintings. This creates additional layers and fantastical spaces. I have been exploring the theme of ‘Cities of the Future’ since 2018 and bring my visions for the city of the future to life in my paintings. I devise visionary concepts for urban living spaces and ask myself what role nature plays in them. In light of population growth, I depict my city of the future rising into the sky in my current paintings. In light of climate change and global warming, I explore their consequences for nature. In my paintings, I either minimise nature or it is absent or not depicted at all. Digital connectivity and modern technologies – in other words, the visionary concepts behind the ‘smart city’ – are not currently the focus of my images; rather, my visions of a city of the future centre on people and their urban and natural habitats. I reflect on quality of life and sustainability in these cities, whilst also giving space to socio-political issues. In this image, I explore the cult of personality – that is, the veneration and glorification of individuals in our societies, as well as their display of power and authority.