Smiley II – The fading promise
The smiley is one of the best-known symbols of our time. With just a few lines it stands for joy, lightness and confidence.
In Smiley II, this sign is still fully intact. Eyes and mouth remain recognizable, the message initially seems unchanged. Yet on closer inspection, the image begins to tilt. The colors run, contours lose their certainty, and parts of the face appear almost forgotten or erased.
The smiley still smiles – but no longer with the same self-evidence.
The series Schmiertafel deals with symbols whose meaning actually seems to be fixed.
Smileys, flowers or trees need no explanation. Everyone recognizes them instantly. That’s precisely why I’m interested in the moments when this certainty starts to crack.
In Smiley II, the symbol remains while its execution drifts further and further apart. The painting no longer follows a clear order. Corrections, overlays and visible decisions create an image that hovers between memory and dissolution.
The bright, almost white picture surface lends the work an unusual lightness. At the same time, the yellow, violet and turquoise traces create areas that seem like remnants of earlier states.
In particular, the right eye seems to be partially covered by paint, as if the familiar sign were slowly disappearing. The violet mouth adds a friendly accent, yet at the same time appears fragile and provisional.
In this way, a painting emerges about optimism in uncertain times – about the ability to smile even though things are no longer as clear-cut as they once were.
The round shape of the canvas reinforces the direct impact of the motif. At the same time, the oil painting gives the work depth, transparency, and visible traces of its creation process.
Smiley II is a one-of-a-kind original from my studio in Wiesbaden and part of the ongoing series Schmiertafel.
You can find inspiration under
Smear board,
small formats and
white paintings
I have been a freelance painter since 1997 and have worked with a wide variety of themes in painting. While until 2007 I was occupied almost exclusively with expressive painting, today my focus lies more on experimental art. My personal background, as well as almost all artistic themes can be found under “About us.”
Studio in Wiesbaden – viewings by appointment.
Direct purchase and shipping also available.
