The four collage objects CRUSHED FACES present human faces in a way that is both familiar and disturbing. The faces have been deliberately crumpled and deformed. This deformation not only makes them appear aesthetically fragile, but also symbolises the fragility of human identity and the complexity with which we perceive ourselves and others.
The transparency of the acrylic glass displays and the arrangement of the objects create a sense of multidimensionality. Depending on the perspective, the faces change, overlap or appear fragmented. This creates a metaphor for the complexity of human personality and for the constant change that shapes our self-image.
The different skin tones and facial expressions, some with make-up or masks, also address social notions of beauty, perfection and self-expression. The distortion is intended to represent the pressure that social norms exert on individual appearance – as if identity were distorted under the weight of external expectations. At the same time, however, the eyes and characteristic features remain visible, emphasising the uniqueness of each person. The faces, criss-crossed with wrinkles, are removed from reality. One does not feel completely repelled, but rather fascinated by the new expressions, some of which appear cute, funny, resigned, sad, astonished or even erotic.
With my work, I want to invite people to think about how we see ourselves and others. It is intended as a statement against the existing obsession with beauty and the urge to beautify one's own body to perfection, if necessary by means of cosmetic surgery, in order to meet common standards.
