Cosima zu Knyphausen's 'Gute Nacht' Explores Symbolism and Mortality at Sebastian Gladstone

Cosima zu Knyphausen's latest exhibition, 'Gute Nacht', marks her second collaboration with Sebastian Gladstone. It is inspired by the obscure Symbolist artwork 'Mors Imperator' created by Hermione von Preuschen, which was submitted to the Berlin Salon in 1888 but faced rejection due to its controversial portrayal of a crowned skeleton, perceived as an affront to Kaiser Wilhelm I. Although von Preuschen received a response from the emperor stating he had 'no problem with the painting,' it was ultimately dismissed. The exhibition explores the tension between political interpretations and Symbolism's focus on suggestion, drawing on Mallarmé's notion that naming diminishes enjoyment. Additionally, adaptations of Adolph Menzel’s works transform heads into skulls, evoking a nightmarish quality, while also alluding to early homoerotic film moments with gentle goodnight kisses. Zu Knyphausen embraces the superficial nature of painting, contrasting it with contemporary critiques that seek deeper meanings.