Not all art has an apparent purpose in the beginning, but in the end, it turns out to be very relevant. Volker Hermes has been creating a series of “Hidden Portraits” for over 10 years, where he manipulates photos of classical paintings tangled up in head accessories. It seemed like an innocent play of imagination until it became very poignant when the COVID-19 pandemic took place.

Artwork itself is best at explaining itself. The second best option is an artist’s explanation. Luckily, we have both options. Here’s what Volker said about his project: “first of all, I am an artist, a painter. My photo collages are a reflection on the social meaning and our treatment of old masters. I don’t paint them because I think it’s no longer contemporary to paint that way, so I decided to do Photoshop interventions.”

#1

“I have great respect for incredible historical paintings. I don’t add anything to the outside portraits, all the modifications come from the painting itself. I pay attention to the characteristics of the artists, brushstrokes, light, etc. My interventions should be as plausible as possible.”