Volker Hermes: Hidden Portraits

Volker Hermes: Hidden Portraits gathers the essential works by one of the most beguiling artists of the present era, in a very modern reinterpretation of historical privilege. Using only elements of the original paintings, Volker Hermes masterfully alters photos of historical portraits to mask the faces of their subjects. With each figure concealed under their own ceremonial attire, these one-time elites quickly lose their individuality in a plume of decorations and accessories. In this official collection, Hermes delivers his wry commentary on wealth, fame and social status with taut imagery, intense focus and a suitably shrewd sense of humour. His immaculately reproduced artworks are accompanied by the thoughts of German art historian Till-Holger Borchert and Professor Francesca Raimondi of Berlins Institute for Philosophy, as well as the artist himself. A must-have revision of classical portraiture from a celebrated digital creator. "Hermess meticulously described collages pay homage to their sources while gently ribbing the social pretensions and ambitions of the courtly classes." Christopher Alessandrini, metmuseum.org