It started with having a conversation with Nina about two paintings she was going to exhibit.
Nina and I agreed to keep the conversation recorded on an audio file. Later, I could offer to make an opening speech with the ideas raised while conversing and sharing our emotions triggered by these portraits.
Below you will find the two portraits
and the text used for the opening of the exhibition.
Red lips are a symbol of grace and beauty – of boldness and power
They are noticeable by their contrast.
A red satin smile clashing with a pale complexion,
A strawberry gloss betraying a shy expression.
Nina’s exhibition is taking us on a journey of contrasts
An artistic metaphor of a life journey, a transformation, an evolution
…and the emotional opposition of two portraits.
One gracefully attentive to social expectations,
And the other overflowing with intimate rebellion & raw confidence
But between you and me ….Nina told me…It is the same woman!
She represents everything that society expects from her: be proper, pretty, and perfect.
Cover yourself up with all the adornment so no one can see the real you.
Her story is universal. She was told to follow the rules and did what is expected to comply, to be part of, to be included.
She is lost for being someone else.
She is the forefront and the background but she is absent.
Looking away, she coldly reacts to what is expected from her.
In symbioses with nature, she is watching the world from a distance with a critical gaze.
What is the point of being part of a world that sees tenderness, kindness, and empathy as weaknesses? She is torn. She is amazing.
If she was your friend, you would want to tell her….”Go on!”, “Lean in”- “ You have it” – “Go for it”.
What if right now she hears you and decides to put on a bright red lipstick to highlight her mouth so that people know her words are important…
She has it!
She is fully taking over the all painting.
She is enough.
No more accessories needed.
Being present and authentic, full and earthy, imperfect, and real …and it does not exclude her.
Now she knows.
Complying is dying. She is choosing to be alive
Sensual, sultry, and sexy …Nina confided in me that for some observers, this portrait is disturbing; while others fall in love with her.
The haters, the lovers…always in contrast.
Look at her soft and gentle sarcastic smile.
A subtle dash of pink spread across a cheek flirting with a vibrant yellow.
A faded background merging to the preciseness of a human expression.
Everything around her is messy and wild.
She stays focused, set, and still.
Her deep eye sockets are so dark.
She is no more looking at the world behind the glass window of her pretty eyes.
She is Presence, without performance.
Presence without compliance.
Red lips are a symbol of grace and beauty – of boldness and power
They are noticeable by their contrast
Two portraits, two stories … one woman
Nina’s motivation for this exhibition and the many more to come is that she wants people to reflect on their own emotions through her art. This speech was just one of the thousand possible interpretations.
Now it is time to extend an invitation to pause your busy lives, switch off your phones, leave the stress of reaching goals and deadlines. Slow down, take the time, and welcome the emotions triggered by these portraits.
Red lips are contrast, let yourself be carried away by them.
Nina Meier Kollros Website: https://www.nmk-art.com/ausstellungen
The Speak4Impact Academy
Become the communicator you deserve to be!
This program gives you the structure and guided practice needed to become a highly competent communicator. Whether you are a Corporate Leader, a Project Manager, or simply feel the need to work on your presentation skills, having to inspire and convince investors or co-workers to engage in your work, get the promotion you deserve or life project. Your ability to communicate confidently and efficiently will lead you to success. Your future depends on it.