
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.