Radical Beauty

Radikale Schönheit

21/02/—19/04/26

 

Natalia Evelyn Bencicova, Thomas Dodd, Scallywag Fox, Ilka & Franz, Eric Gyamfi, Samuli Karala, Marc Lamey, Eva Losada, Cameron McNee, Jorge Monedero, David Newby, Erwin Olaf, Zeynep Yeşim Özkanca, Perttu Saksa, Antonia Steyn, Zuzu Valla, Liron Weissman, Zuzia Zawada

 

In the exhibition’s underlying, unique global photography project Radical Beauty, over 60 internationally renowned fashion and art photographers, including Eva Losada, Erwin Olaf, and Zuzu Valla, collaborated with people with Down syndrome to create individual images and photo series. The resulting portraits, taken in professional studio settings, are surprising and unique. Among the protagonists are experienced performers such as actresses Sarah Gordy (UK) and Lily Moore (USA), but the majority lead lives outside the spotlight. Radical Beauty blurs the lines between disciplines. The close collaboration between model and photographer has resulted in impressive works that convey the joy of role-playing and visual experimentation, vividly reflecting the unique personalities of the subjects: whether tender intimacy, stark realism, or exuberant joie de vivre – Radical Beauty celebrates all facets of human existence and the diversity of an inclusive society. For example, art photographer Erwin Olaf presents his protagonist with flowers in her hair and luminous green eyes, seemingly floating weightlessly in frothy water. On closer inspection, this turns out to be a technical effect achieved through the skillful manipulation of the film. Photographer Zuzu Valle, on the other hand, sees herself as an advocate for people with disabilities and presents deeply moving photographs of drag queens and drag kings with Down syndrome.

 

Radical Beauty was launched in 2018 by the British collective Culture Device, a group of performers with Down syndrome, who have already performed at London’s Royal Opera House, Tate Modern, and the Southbank Centre. Under the artistic direction of Daniel Vais, a global project has since emerged, contributing to the visibility of people with cognitive disabilities and providing a platform for people with Down syndrome.

 

The exhibition Radical Beauty is a transfer of the show of the same name from the Berlin gallery f³ – freiraum für fotografie, where it was on display from March 7 to May 25, 2025, and which has been adapted for the BLMK Dieselkraftwerk Cottbus.