Jakob Lena Knebl, Firestarter 3, 2020
, Digital colour print on photographic paper, mounted on Dibond, Edition 3 + 1 AP, 80 x 60 cm
Image: Christian Benesch, Kollitsch collection
Sumptuous, colourful, and with a touch of frivolity: The multi-faceted art by Jakob Lena Knebl revels in grotesque, elaborate scenes, serving the artist as a vehicle for the humorous, confident exploration of gender-related themes such as sexuality, queerness, transgender issues, and the search for identity. Her own body is a fundamental element of her works. In Firestarter 3 (2020), she constitutes the focus of the image, together with her partner Ashley Hans Scheirl. Both of them are dressed in tight-fitting bodysuits. Imitating the undulating, entangled movements of the candles, they appear to be gently merging into one with them.
— Magdalena Koschat