‘Kynismus,’ which translates from the German as ‘Cynicism,’ is a painting that juxtaposes its subject against its title.
In classical Cynic philosophy, social arrangements and conventions are viewed as barriers to leading a ‘natural’ life. However, the girl in this painting leans into the conventions of her time; she uses the tools she has to simultaneously represent and conceal her identity, in line with the social norms. Her use of a Snapchat filter, which places a dog’s nose, tongue, and ears over her face, is a way of stylizing her image.
She wears the ‘David Lynch Awareness Tee,’ which was designed by the popular streetwear brand ‘Obey,’ and sold circa 2017.
She also wears ‘Beats’ by Dr. Dre, headphones that became popular in the late 2010s, and have since been used as an accessory and fashion statement.
She participates in and celebrates the hypes of her time, using multimedia to establish herself in this landscape.
‘Kynismus’ is part of the series ‘Moral,’ which contemplates, from a distance, questions of social morality in relation to lived luxury.