252. Blue skirt (Blauer Rock)

252. Blue skirt (Blauer Rock), 2026, Öl auf Leinwand, 20 × 15cm, (Thomas Ansted)

This painting and the previous one are studies that I produced partly in class to show students how I paint a still life. Therefore, they are more in the pedagogical realm than in a philosophical realm. I have always found it difficult to paint in front of a class. However, I somehow also like how it can force me to be quite efficient and sober about painting. And removing information can indeed be such a relief. Nonetheless, I still relished being able to take my time when finishing this painting and the previous painting, alone, in the studio.

Art without its usual overtures can be exhilarating. On the other hand, the approach in the university is one that for me was overwhelmingly concerned with the deployment of art in the service of an investigation. I can still hear my professor’s voice in my ear asking ‘what is the investigation?’. I am eternally grateful for it too. Part of education is subjecting yourself to the vulnerability of saying: I have no idea. Only then is learning possible. Although it has probably changed since 2004.

The red thing is a cardboard tray from a box of chocolates. The green thing is a scarf on a piece of cardboard. The alcove is where there was a fireplace in my studio (I think). There is a sheet of paper on the surface of the maketshift table. It is the skirt that Karin wore at our Standesamtliche wedding.