🎻 Christie's Silent Triumph

🌟 Artist in Focus

Volker Hermes (@volker.hermes), a name that resonates not just with art but with a profound understanding of human identity.

Born in 1972, Hermes has become a maestro in the art of visual paradox. His "Hidden Portraits" series is more than a playful twist on historical paintings; it's a mirror reflecting our own societal masks. Imagine the grandeur of the 17th and 18th centuries, where opulence was not just a style but a statement.

Now, envision that very grandeur turning on itself, hiding the faces it was meant to glorify. That's Hermes for you, a painter who doesn't just create art but questions it.

His works are a delightful dance between the linear and the abstract, the serious and the whimsical.

Combining watercolor-like painting with hard Edding drawing, Hermes shows himself to be a master in both fields.

But what truly sets him apart is his ability to make us laugh and think at the same time.

His portraits don't honor their subjects; they honor art itself. They challenge our perceptions, tickle our funny bones, and leave us pondering long after we've looked away.

In a world where art often takes itself too seriously, Hermes is a breath of fresh air. He's not just painting pictures; he's painting thoughts, emotions, and a bit of mischief. His works are not just a feast for the eyes but a journey for the soul.

They remind us that art is not just about looking; it's about seeing, feeling, and connecting. And in that connection, we find not just beauty but truth. Hermes doesn't just show us art; he shows us ourselves. 🌟

📚 Brushstrokes of Knowledge

The art of hiding faces, as seen in Volker Hermes' "Hidden Portraits," draws from a fascinating tradition that goes beyond mere artistic expression.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, a trend known as "anamorphosis" emerged, where artists would create distorted images that could only be viewed correctly from a specific angle or through a special device.

This technique was not just a playful experiment but a profound commentary on perception, power, and secrecy.

One of the most famous examples of anamorphosis is Hans Holbein the Younger's painting "The Ambassadors." 

At first glance, the painting appears to contain a strange smear at the bottom.

However, when viewed from the side, the smear transforms into a perfectly rendered skull.

This hidden image served as a memento mori, a reminder of mortality, and a symbol of the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface. It was a technique that allowed artists to communicate secret messages, political statements, or personal reflections, all hidden in plain sight.

Volker Hermes' work echoes this tradition but with a modern twist. By hiding faces with elements from the original paintings, he's not just playing with visuals; he's playing with history, identity, and social commentary.

🧐 Curator's Corner

The world of art is not just about creating masterpieces; it's about presenting them in a way that captures the imagination.

Auction houses, with their flair for drama and storytelling, have turned art marketing into an art form itself.

When Christie's brought to market "Salvator Mundi," the last known work of Leonardo Da Vinci, they didn't just announce an auction; they created a sensation.

I stumbled upon their promo video from 2017, and it's nothing short of brilliant.

Without showing the artwork, the camera focuses on the reactions of those viewing it.

Smiles, tears, prayers, all set to classical music, and even a cameo by Leonardo DiCaprio!

It's a masterclass in storytelling, creating a narrative around the painting without uttering a single word.

It's not just about selling a painting; it's about selling an experience, a connection, a moment in time.

And it worked, with the artwork selling for more than $450 million, setting a record.

It's a reminder that art is not just what's on the canvas; it's how we engage with it, how we feel about it, and how we share it with the world.

Bravo indeed! 💃

💫 Wonder of Art

The world of art auctions is filled with intrigue, strategy, and sometimes, a touch of the bizarre.

Did you know that the color red often plays a significant role in art auctions?

Studies have shown that artworks with a dominance of red tend to fetch higher prices. It's not just a color; it's a psychological trigger associated with passion, desire, and value.

Speaking of value, the secretive bidding strategies in art auctions can be a game of high stakes poker. Some bidders use round numbers, while others prefer odd, specific amounts to throw off competitors.

There's even a term for it: "Chandelier bidding," where auctioneers take imaginary bids to drive up the price. It's all legal and part of the thrilling game.

And here's a quirky fact: Ever heard of "Vexed Man"? It's a sculpture by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, known for his series of "character heads."

What's unique about this piece is that it's said to be a self-portrait of the artist in a state of annoyance.

Messerschmidt created it during a time when he was experiencing severe health issues, and it's believed to be a reflection of his frustration.

It's a reminder that art can be a window not just into beauty but into the human condition, even its more vexing aspects.