Volker Hermes Exaggerates Historic Portraits with Ostentatious Absurdity

A digitally manipulated artwork by Pickenoy showing a woman with a huge ruff engulfing much of her face.

“Hidden Pickenoy II” (2023). All photos © Volker Hermes, shared with permission

All through seventeenth and 18th centuries, Europe’s higher lessons entered an period of unprecedented prosperity because of exploding commerce and commerce. The rich sought to specific their standing, and portraiture, which had beforehand been unique to royalty, turned the proper indicator of social rank. In England, these work turned often called Grand Method works, and the Dutch faculty counted well-known names like Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, and Frans Hals amongst its cohort, nonetheless charming us at present at sellout exhibitions. For German artist Volker Hermes, this period of artwork historical past offers an limitless supply of inspiration.

Digital photocollages (previously) playfully reimagine the unique sitters in Hermes’ ongoing Hidden Portraits collection. Initially depicted by the likes of Dutch painter Nicolaes Pickenoy or French baroque artist Georges de La Tour, the themes in Hermes’ iterations are overwhelmed by their very own clothes to the purpose of absurdity. Brocade masks cowl one Elizabethan topic’s eyes, luxuriant robes prolong all the best way as much as foreheads, and lace ruffs engulf the wearers’ faces.

Hermes is drawn to particular traits within the unique work, corresponding to ribbons, which “convey historic photos into movement,” he tells Colossal. “For the time being, I’m dealing quite a bit with Rococo, which is presently getting a number of consideration, after being thought of kitsch for a very long time.” Depictions of masculinity all through historical past have additionally emerged as a brand new theme. “I want to draw consideration as soon as once more to antiquated types of masculinity, which truly gave the impression to be outdated, however are presently turning into—sadly—engaging once more for a lot of males,” he says.

By way of July 8, you possibly can go to Hermes’ solo exhibition Ruff Hood at James Freeman Gallery in London. He may even have work within the group exhibition Rococo Insanity! on the National Museum in Wroclaw, Poland, from July 14 by means of January 14, 2024. Discover extra on the artist’s website and Instagram.

A digitally manipulated Elizabethan portrait showing a woman with a brocade mask covering most of her face, preventing her from seeing.

“Hidden English College” (2023)

A digitally manipulated artwork by Catena showing a robe pulled up so high over the sitter's face that he cannot see.

“Hidden Catena” (2021)

A digitally manipulated artwork by Pourbus showing a regal woman wearing a huge ruff that covers her face, with ribbons tangled all over her head.

“Hidden Nameless (Pourbus IV)” (2021)

A digitally manipulated artwork by de la Tour of a woman wearing enormous ribbons that cover her face.

“Hidden de la Tour VIII” (2022)

A digitally manipulated artwork by Nattier of a woman wearing a brocade mask with frills.

“Hidden Nattier VI” (2023)

A digitally manipulated artwork by an artist in the Anglo-Dutch School wearing a brocade mask.

“Hidden Anglo-Dutch College” (2023)

A digitally manipulated artwork by Pickenoy showing a woman with a huge ruff engulfing much of her face and gold cord from her dress tangling around her head.

“Hidden Pickenoy II” (2023)

A digitally manipulated artwork by Copley of a man with a green robe so large that is is covering his entire body.

“Hidden Singleton Copley VII” (2023)

A digitally manipulated artwork by Cerroti of a young man with a wide ribbon wound around his head.

“Hidden Siriès Cerroti” (2022)

#art history
#digital
#portraits
#Volker Hermes

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