Von der Hölle in den Himmel 2008

This work, titled 'From Hell to Heaven', has a very particular and precise way of image-making. The figures are streamlined, the space is precisely described, but it has a real dream-logic to it. There's this contrast between the pearly, ghostly figures and the heavy, dark little weights, all tied together with these delicate red lines. The red line reminds me of a plumb line – a tool used in construction to establish a vertical reference. It makes me think about systems, networks, and the balance, or maybe imbalance, of power. Look how those dark objects pull down on the clean white figures. Is it a metaphor for burdens, anxieties, or even earthly desires holding us back from some kind of spiritual ascent? I'm put in mind of Odilon Redon’s symbolist lithographs, which are similarly weird. Ultimately, the painting allows for so many different readings. That's the beauty of art, right? It invites you to bring your own story to the table.