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The Arts Intel Report

Sophie von Hellermann: Because It Is

Jan 24 – Feb 29, 2020
Poststraße 2/3, 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany

Sophie von Hellermann’s exhibition takes its title from the last line of a speech made by the young Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg: “I want you to act as if the house was on fire, because it is.” It’s a strong statement, and von Hellermann responds with strong statements of her own, paintings, she says, “with large, blurred brushstrokes.” In this exhibition, von Hellerman evokes hellish climate catastrophes in work that rings with urgency. —E.C.

Sophie von Hellermann, “Tree hugger,” 2020. Courtesy the artist; Sies + Höke, Düsseldorf. Photo: Achim Kukulies.