i-conization @ 30works by Joe Børg

i-conization @ 30works by Joe Børg

The pop-up exhibition "i-conization" by Cologne-based photographer Joe Børg is a playful exploration of associations, clichés, and expectations, revealing once again the manipulative power of images. His skillfully lit photographs, reminiscent of old master paintings, seemingly depict Lenin, Abraham Lincoln, Solzhenitsyn, and Fidel Castro; however, they are in fact self-stagings by Børg, who uses these figures as a façade to disappear behind the meticulously detailed and heightened stylization of his heroes.

The principle of borrowed identity feels disturbingly authentic and draws on classical performance art. The alignment of hairstyles, costumes, and poses becomes an intricate mimicry, blurring the lines between reality and fiction, between performer and portrayed. This can also be interpreted as a critique of today's obsession with selfies and Photoshop: Are people allowed to look like themselves in photos anymore? What is still real? Børg challenges our perception and employs historical heroes as well as fictional icons like Walter "Breaking Bad" White to turn the gaze back on ourselves.

i-conization @ 30works

Opening: Monday, January 18, 2016, 6-10 PM.

Exhibition: from January 18, 2015, to January 24, 2016
Closing: Sunday, January 24, 2016, 3-6 PM.

Opening hours for this pop-up:
Mon, January 18, 6-10 PM.

Tue-Fri, 3-8 PM, Sat 11 AM-6 PM.

Sun, January 24, 3-6 PM.

Joe Børg will be present during opening hours.

30works Galerie Antwerpener Str. 42
50672 Cologne 0221/5700250 www.30works.de