Inka Essenhigh
WWF
2002, oil on canvas
183 x 203cm |
Inka
Essenhigh's paintings redefine pop as the epitome of aesthetic
hierarchy. Her ultra-slick surfaces operate as virtual fields,
where estranged narratives play out in cross-wired systems
of reference and recognition. In WWF, Essenhigh draws from
romanticised emblems of decadence: the classicism of Greek
frescos or the empyreal motifs of Asian lacquer-ware are resembled
with futuristic technophilia, made more dynamic in the fantasy
realm of cartoon. The god-like figures contort in a stylised
motif of aestheticised violence and sexuality. Essenhigh's
highly structured formalism eschews emotional intimacy; line,
space, and colour are used to create stunning tension, a baroque
beauty that is majestically antiseptic. |