Sophia Süßmilch
DEUTSCHE FAR NIENTE
04.05.
29.06.24
Ortisei
Born in Munich in 1983, Süßmilch delves into complex themes, focusing on her own biography, body, and identity. Her works, spanning from painting to photography, installations to videos, capture the essence of human experiences in a world constantly in flux.
A significant portion of the exhibited works is drawn from her recent solo show in Linz, titled "Sanatorium Süßmilch," a comprehensive exhibition composed of a series of installations that stand as artworks in their own right.
Through "Sanatorium Süßmilch," the artist has provided an original response to the tensions and uncertainties of our time, embodied by global crises such as the pandemic and international conflicts. Living and working within this "sanatorium" for a month, Süßmilch conducted in-depth research on the metamorphosis of human existence, engaging in dialogue with a wide range of interlocutors and translating these reflections into artworks.
Before her stay in the "Sanatorium," Süßmilch undertook an intensive exploration of the fluid and evolving nature of human existence, delving into themes such as the evolution of personal identity and the search for meaning in the contemporary world. This research process led to the creation of a monumental conceptual map, a kind of artistic "world map" seeking to capture the multifaceted nature of the human condition.
The paintings and videos displayed in the exhibition offer a penetrating glimpse into Süßmilch's artistic practice.
Drawing inspiration from her own person and body, Süßmilch challenges patriarchal sensibilities, becoming a disruptor, addressing with unique sarcasm discussions and themes considered "serious" and crucial in contemporary discourse. Her works are displayed to be seen by everyone, emphasizing a rich and constant production. For Süßmilch, stagnation is akin to death. Her fervent artistic production declares to the world: "I am still alive."*
Her painting style recalls illustrations in children's books, with a preference for fleshy pink and celestial tones. Süßmilch simplifies complex psychic landscapes without hesitation, making them vibrant and narrating them as attractions in a playground. Her artworks depict joyful and colorful scenes, yet imbued with latent aggression, reflecting the compulsive obsessions of the adult world. Her universe is a lively and anarchic matriarchal realm, dystopian in its vision and interpretation of stereotypical male absurdity.
Her performative work expresses a realistic physicality, displaying a sculptural quality distinct from her colorful cosmos. Süßmilch's art is direct, challenging, and relentless, provoking viewers and integrating her body as part of the artistic expression.
Elements of Süßmilch's biography often inspire her art, shaping family history into artworks or assuming various roles within her creations. Her aesthetic statements are powerful and intuitive, filled with existential depth beneath apparent levity.
Sophia Süßmilch's artistic journey is a conscious exploration of gender, politically incorrect and unmistakably feminist, contradictory, unpredictable, and full of surprises.
* Extract from Stephan Huber's text “Gleeful Cannibal”
The exhibition has been made possible due to the collaboration of Krobath Wien and MARTINETZ, Cologne.
