Lampe gives her models a role, she let them pose with false eyelashes, large jewels,
scarves or voiles, objects with social and cultural connotations that somehow clash
with the youthful innocence and aesthetics of her models.
Katinka Lampe makes figurative, expressionist paintings that are the result of an
research into subjects such as identity, social relations, gender and color. Even though we clearly recognize the image of a person, it is not the main subject of the painting. The portrait is the visual concept. Katinka Lampe, a Dutch artist, has had a remarkable international career. Thanks to her style and subject, Lampe manages to combine a surprising modernity with the history of painting.
Although the paintings are actually quite realistic, Lampe prefers not to call her works portraits. The individual characteristics of the models are deliberately relegated to the background. Lampe gives her models a role, she let them pose with false eyelashes, large jewels, scarves or voiles, objects with social and cultural connotations that somehow clash with the youthful innocence and aesthetics of her models. This is how Lampe manages to create tension in her work.
While painting, the tipping point of attraction and repulsion is always sought. Precisely worked out details alternate with flat surfaces. The backgrounds refer to nothing but themselves. The virtuous paint touch is also systematically avoided. The too personal is always brushed out with a large brush. It is these qualities that give her works an extra layer of meaning.