Kea Bolenz

Bouillon von Lumpis Femur @Klemm's downstairs

Originally from Hamburg and based in Berlin, Bolenz’s artistic work focuses on intricate drawings that invite viewers into shadowy, surreal worlds. In her work, human figures and animals blend together in enigmatic, sometimes unsettling dances — creating a haunting fusion of forms that blur the lines between species. These scenes are often set against the backdrop of domestic environments, yet they possess a dreamlike, ‘perverse’ quality that purposely suspends any sense of normalcy.

Bolenz’s drawings evoke a tension between the familiar and the bizarre, exploring hidden aspects of desire and identity — the mundane is imbued with elements of mystery, fantasy, and subtle menace.

In her solo show Bouillon von Lumpis Femur at Klemm’s downstairs, a series of ten pencil drawings is presented. The small format demands close observation, creating an intimate encounter between the viewer and the artwork — the intimacy stems from both the physical closeness and the provocative imagery. Distorted figures, random debris, obscure references, and playful humor intertwine. These elements continually overlap and intensify, eventually exposing the relentless machinery of desire pulsing through each piece.

Bolenz works invites viewers to explore the darker recesses of the human psyche, all while maintaining an aesthetic that is both provocative and visually captivating.