Heimliches Herrscherpaar 1982

Siegfried Zademack, who was born in 1952, painted "Heimliches Herrscherpaar" with what looks like oils, and, my god, is it something. It's got this old-masterly finish, but the subject matter is wild. The skeletal king and his sunglasses-wearing queen, they’re all texture and surface. The paint is laid on so smooth, you can almost feel the cool detachment. Look closely at the queen's hand resting on her chest – the way the light catches the rings, it's hyper-real. The red cape is a flat statement of intent, yet has so much detail. Then there’s that tongue – a real focal point – stretching out to lick the king’s skull. That little gesture, that fleshy connection, turns the whole thing on its head. It reminds me a bit of Ensor, but way more up close and personal. It leaves you with more questions than answers, which, in my book, is a sign of a good painting.