Rot Blau 

Eckart Hahn made this work, Rot Blau, using colored pencils on paper. The striking realism and texture of this piece hinges on Hahn's intense labor and precision. Each feather is meticulously rendered, giving the parrot's plumage a palpable depth. But the deliberate 'tearing' of the image introduces a compelling twist. The red interior, exposed by the tear, disrupts the realism, drawing attention to the artifice of the image. It's a reminder that this isn't simply a depiction of nature, but a constructed representation, carefully built layer by layer. The choice of colored pencil, a humble medium often associated with childhood or amateur art, is also significant. Hahn elevates this everyday material through sheer skill and dedication, blurring the boundaries between 'high' and 'low' art. The contrast between the trompe l'oeil effect and the handmade quality of the drawing encourages us to consider the value we place on skill, labor, and artistic illusion.