Untitled
This small polished aluminium sculpture has a reclining face with an open mouth that looks like a mask, either male or female, resting on a base, also made of aluminium. The position and uniqueness of this face is reminiscent of the reclining heads of the Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi, but deviates from them through the embossed metal work, which is full of tension and agitation. The artist draws inspiration from the paintings of Balthus and Bacon, which can be seen in the emaciated and tortured features of this aluminium face. Whether painted, sculpted, or performed, Imhof’s work is permeated by the notion of the portrait and its stakes, whether it be the portrait of contemporary youth that she seeks to capture in her performances or more singular, although universal, portraits, like this sculpture.
Text written by Marianne Tricoire as part of the partnership between the École du Louvre and Lafayette Anticipations – Fonds de dotation Famille Moulin.
Exhibition
Palais de Tokyo, Paris (France)
from 22 Apr to 12 Jul 2021