The leader | 2,20 x 2 m

2.20 m (height) x 2 m (width)
Acrylic & gouache on canvas
June 2022

There are phases in life and moments where something old departs and something new arrives. Often, we cling internally to what exists, which sometimes harms us. Relationships, people, things, workplaces, old beliefs and behaviors, habits, and much more. Letting go hurts, and often, one clings with all their might to the supposedly secure old and familiar, which, however, leaves no room for development.

This also applies to the autocrats and dictators of this world, who cling fearfully and desperately to their power and prevent a new beginning in their states. But everyone must let go at some point. Whether they want to or not. The large-scale painting "The Leader" by the emerging artist Baldur Galoor depicts precisely this moment: The pale ruler figure is supported on the throne only by makeshift supports and does not want to let go. Everything crumbles, wobbles, overgrows, and sinks into chaos. At the same time, the messengers of the new world are already there, heralding change: beautiful paradise birds, cats, butterflies. This process begins internally and is reflected externally, in our actions.

Inspired by Francis Bacon's study of Pope Innocent X after Diego Velázquez, a key moment of a supernatural world is depicted, which goes beyond ordinary rational, psychological explanations. In the picture, many layers and a multifaceted painting style narrate this moment. One feels transported into another, spiritual, even divine world — full of discomfort, fear, and transience, but at the same time full of hope and beauty in anticipation of the new.