Karla Kaper

A ceramic tiger rug, a cayman lamp stand, an alligator head: in a spontaneous series of sculptures Karla Kaper takes aim at the mindless cruelty towards exotic animals that was so common when she grew up – some time ago now. But has anything really changed? We may no longer decorate our homes with tasteless trophies but we still go hunting for ‘unique’ experiences halfway across the globe. Other pieces Kaper made during her EKWC residency are more abstract, more in line with preceding works, like the Michelin Men that echo previous Warriors, now grown to contemporary body standards. Robed figures, arms extended as in benediction, stand like pawns posing as kings or pontiffs. A 360° rotation of someone’s profile is a ceramic version of the glass portrait from the same mould. Overlooking it all is a bust of a classical movie star with her wistful, fiercely independent gaze.