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Der Undiplomat, LOFFT Leipzig, 2019

der undiplomat

hat ein scharfes auge

findet sofort die schwachpunkte

legt seinen finger in die wunde

bohrt darin rum

wirbelt alles auf

schafft chaos

der undiplomat

hat ein scharfes auge

findet sofort die schwachpunkte

legt seinen finger in die wunde

entfernt allen bullshit

wirbelt alles auf

schafft fokus

DER UNDIPLOMAT

 

acrylics on wood, digital print on paper & steel

 

Der Undiplomat (translation: The “Undiplomat”) leans against the wall, depicting a hybrid, messianic/threatening figure – something between a queen and a sheep – positioned in an archway and surrounded by an “exotic” and vulnerable environment. Beneath the figure appears a proto-state emblem. On either side of the painting, two rolls of paper hang down to the floor. These digitally printed scrolls describe two distinct types of undiplomats: both immediately identify weak points and “put their finger in the wound.” However, while one twists the finger – exacerbating chaos – the other sharpens focus by doing the same gesture with clarity and intent.

In its first configuration, the undiplomat can be read as a prototype emblematic of a vulgarizing and destabilizing era – perhaps akin to a Trump-like figure. In the latter version, however, the undiplomat emerges as a heroic and uncompromising role model: someone who confronts weakness, discards the unnecessary, and addresses problems directly.

This installation was exhibited in 2019 at the Performance Philosophy Festival Am Nerv der Demokratie at LOFFT, Leipzig. 

© Johanna Maj Schmidt 2025

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