Enhancing classical painting techniques with elements of pop art, kitsch, and camp, Katrin Valgemäe’s subtly grotesque pinup product series takes inspiration from the media’s exaggerated self-centeredness, revealing various layers with intriguing narratives upon closer examination.
“The inspiration is coming from Francisco de Goya’s painting “Still Life with Golden Bream” (1808-1812). I wanted to capture the physical beauty of the fish the same way, but to paint the subject with Renaissance portrait characteristics, just as a people were portrayed: in the centre of the painting, painted in realism, in their natural form, with a plain dark background. To have a portrait painted meant you had to have a high social status. This carnivore had that, but the food chain continues with another carnivores’ feast.”
