MALWINE STAUSS: ERDLINGE
Face, arms and legs. Although some of them consist only of drops, petals or stars, the creatures in Malwine Stauss' watercolors have a human touch. Each of the figures conveys a mood, seems to have a complex mind and a unique character. Beyond any cliché, they appear like types - mysterious allegories that could take their place alongside images of muses or personifications of seasons and virtues. And yet we search in vain for a clear code to understand these colorful figures. They tell us nothing about established orders.
With her latest series of works, Malwine Stauss takes a step back and looks at the human condition from the outside, inspired by science fiction and fantasy. The bodies of her earthlings (ERDLINGE) don’t have a conventional shell, but with their associatively charged colourfulness convey insights into emotional worlds far beyond their roles as roses, rain or roots. With disarming transparency, the artist uncovers the interior and at the same time makes vividly clear that human existence can never be separated from its surroundings. Nature, light and shadow, the elements of the planet exert their influence and form the basis of an alternative vision of the future far away from space travel, machine aesthetics and mechanization.
Space-consuming yet light, sometimes playful, Malwine Stauss's figures are capable of touching us emotionally. They arouse our curiosity and challenge our empathetic and benevolent gaze in a friendly and accommodating way. Without being intrusive, they hold a mirror up to us and make us ask existential questions: What makes us who we are? What connects us? How do we communicate? Where do we come from and where do we want to go?
Like superheroes, the glazed clay statuettes with their colorful suits, blue faces and flower collars radiate a cheerful self-confidence, warm-heartedness and optimism. They smile sympathetically at us and, despite their vulnerability, seem to be strong together in all their differences. Malwine Stauss ERDLINGE are symbols of versatility and a wealth of emotions. Getting involved with them is worthwhile and promises joy and hope.
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MALWINE STAUSS (*1993 in Dresden) studied graphic design at the HGB Leipzig from 2013 to 2019, received her diploma in the illustration class of Prof. Thomas M. Müller. In 2019, her work was selected for the curated special exhibition Academy POSITIONS at the POSITIONS Berlin Art Fair. Since then, Malwine Stauss has published her characteristic watercolors in several own books (including "THE TRIP" with Colorama 2020, "HEXEN" 2021 and "SOLA" 2022 with Rotopol), in magazines and as part of numerous other book projects. While her work has been presented internationally in exhibitions and at art fairs, Malwine Stauss has given interviews and been invited as a guest lecturer at the HFG Karlsruhe. She lives and works in Berlin and Leipzig.
https://www.jarmuschek.de/malwine-stauss_en