„Miriam“ from series „As Equal As“ Acrylic on Canvas | 120 x 175 cm | 2024
The South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba used her international platform to amplify visibility to communities oppressed by the apartheid regime, particularly by addressing the United Nations about the abuses happening in her home country.
Through her music and activism, Makeba brought international attention to the injustices faced by black South Africans under apartheid rule and garnering support for the anti-apartheid movement, ultimately contributing to the dismantling of institutionalized racism in South Africa.
“Yayoi“ from series „As Equal As“ | Acrylic on Canvas | 100 x 160 cm | 2023
Through her avant-garde environments, paintings, and objects, Yayoi Kusama brings a powerful voice to the conversation around mental health and encourages others to speak openly about their own experiences. Her ability to channel her experiences of hallucinations and anxiety into her art has made her not only an acclaimed figure in the art world, but also a source of inspiration and hope.
Harnessing the repetitive and hypnotic power of polka dots, Kusama invites the viewer on a journey into infinity, reminding us that our differences and conflicts pale in comparison to the dimensions of the universe that surrounds us.
“Josephine” from series “As Equal As” | Acrylic on Canvas | 160 x 100 cm | 2023
Josephine Baker started her career as a showgirl in Paris. But she soon used her fame to campaign for human rights and fight against Nazi Germany. During World War II she was a member of the Resistance and the Free French forces.
With her rainbow family, made up of 12 adopted children from different backgrounds and religions, she showed that people of different ethnic backgrounds and religions can live together in peace.
„Frida“ from series „As Equal As“ | Acrylic on canvas | 80 x 120 cm | 2022
As a Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo pioneered contemporary art, her unique style blending traditional Mexican motifs with surrealist techniques, resulting in works of striking visual impact and emotional depth.
Her deeply personal and often painful art served as a form of self-expression and activism to illuminate the boundaries and experiences of marginalized communities, especially indigenous peoples, and to empower them through her work.
“Christine” from series “As Equal As” | Acrylic on Canvas | 145 x 100 cm | 2023
As one of the first individuals to undergo gender reassignment surgery, Christine Jørgensen's journey challenged societal norms and prejudices. Already in the 1950 Christine underwent gender reassignment treatments, sparking international attention and conversations about gender identity.
Her advocacy and personal story left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community, paving the way for greater understanding and acceptance. Christine's courageous trailblazing continues to inspire and shape the ongoing fight for transgender rights.
„Sadako“ from series „As Equal As“ | Acrylic on Canvas | 80 x 120 cm | 2023
As a young girl, Sadako Sasaki was a victim of radiation from the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb. She later developed leukaemia. During her time in the hospital, she folded 1,000 paper cranes, which is said to grant the folder a wish.
Despite this, she died at the age of only 12. Her story must remind us that every human being, especially children, has a right to physical integrity that must not be violated.
„Vivienne“ from series „As Equal As“ | Acrylic on Checked Fabric | 100 x 150 cm | 2024
As the enfant terrible of the fashion industry, Vivienne Westwood radically redefined the aesthetics of youth culture in the 1980s through her provocative designs and significant influence on the punk movement.
At her core, Vivienne Westwood was always about actively changing the establishment towards greater responsibility and a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle.
Her celebrated collections, which stand out for their unconventional cuts and environmentally conscious approaches, reflect her consistent commitment to sustainability and are also sought-after high-fashion pieces.
Westwood's legacy is a critical examination of fashion as an instrument of change that inextricably links artistic innovation and aesthetics with ecological responsibility.
„Mae“ from series „As Equal As“ | Acrylic on Canvas | 120 x 170 cm | 2023
As an accomplished astronaut, Mae Jemison made history in 1992 as the first African-American woman to travel to space. In addition to her achievements in space exploration, Mae has been a leading advocate for STEM education and diversity in the sciences, working to create opportunities for underrepresented communities to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Through her efforts in education and advocacy, Mae has made a significant impact on both the field of space exploration and in creating opportunities for young people, especially women and people of color, to access quality education and pursue their academic and career aspirations.
“Jane” from series “As Equal As” | Acrylic on Canvas | 150 x 100 cm | 2023
The primatologist and ethologist Jane Goodall began her research on chimpanzees in 1960 in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. Over the years, her close observations have provided new insights into the great apes' behavior, revealing their tool-making skills, complex social structures, and even the darker aspects of their nature.
Jane's work went far beyond this research, becoming an important voice for conservation and the ethical treatment of animals, sparking a global movement towards biodiversity protectionism and the sustainable management of our planet.
“Wang” from series “As Equal As” | Acrylic on Canvas | 150 x 100 cm | 2023
The young Chinese astronomer Wang Zhenyi devoted herself energetically to the study of celestial phenomena and published important works on astronomy, including a treatise on solar and lunar eclipses. She explained the mechanism of solar eclipses in detail by describing that they occur when the sun's rays are blocked by the moon.
Wang Zhenyi, who lived in Qing Dynasty China, was an outstanding woman who defied the gender norms of her time and therefore advocated for the education and empowerment of women in mathematics and astronomy.
“Sojourner” from series “As Equal As” | Acrylic on Canvas | 150 x 100 cm | 2023
Born a slave, Sojourner Truth managed to escape from slavery in 1826, leaving behind her children, including her newborn daughter. The escape and subsequent legal battle to secure her children's freedom shaped Sojourner's resolve in the fight against slavery and oppression.
Sojourner's impressive commitment and moving speeches contributed significantly to raising public awareness of both the abolitionist and the women's rights movements.
„Astrid“ from series „As Equal As“ | Acrylic on Canvas | 100 x 160 cm | 2022
Astrid Lindgren inspired children and parents all over the world with her story about Pippi Longstocking, a little girl who lives alone as she pleases.
Astrid Lindgren has campaigned for children's rights all her life and has made a significant contribution to replacing outdated educational models with modern concepts of participation and self-determination.
“Aretha” from series “As Equal As” | Acrylic on Canvas | 80 x 120 cm | 2022
One of the greatest voices in soul, Aretha Franklin fought alongside Martin Luther King for black rights in America.
Her songs - heavily influenced by gospel music - became anthems of the African American civil rights movement as well as the worldwide women's rights movement.