Epigrams – Reinterpreted: A Homage to the Pre-Raphaelites

The series Epigrams – Reinterpreted delves into the longing for the healing power of nature, a central theme for the Pre-Raphaelites of the 19th century. In the age of climate crisis, however, this longing becomes a stark reminder of nature’s vulnerability. Once a symbol of purity and a sanctuary, nature is now increasingly under threat. The work bridges the industrialization of the 19th century with today’s environmental destruction, juxtaposing romantic idealizations of nature with harsh realities.

At the heart of the series are photographs of elf-like figures, symbolizing innocence and lightness. Yet, this purity is disrupted through techniques like encaustics: burned and damaged images highlight the harm humanity has inflicted upon the Earth. The photographs are printed on pages of Ludwig Uhland’s poems, which celebrate the transience of nature and offer a poetic reflection on its fragility.