ESTRANGED - YANNICK

Navigating the fragile boundary of existence

In this profound instalment of the ESTRANGED series, ARJAN SPANNENBURG explores the metaphor of the self as a precious yet precarious object. Through the lens of YANNICK, the artist investigates how identity, specifically within the queer experience, is often treated with a lack of care by a broader society. SPANNENBURG uses the visual language of entanglement to represent the complex web of social norms and personal safety. The image is not merely a portrait: it is an inquiry into the cost of visibility in an era where progress feels increasingly reversible. By obscuring the subject within the dense foliage, the artist creates a space of sanctuary that simultaneously highlights the necessity of a "thick skin" for survival.

The porcelain metaphor as a catalyst for institutional dialogue

SPANNENBURG’s motivation for this piece lies in the dichotomy between the inherent beauty of one’s nature and the external threats to its integrity. This work challenges the viewer to consider the emotional labour required to remain authentic when faced with hostility. As YANNICK poignantly describes his reality: vulnerable as a porcelain vase, that is how I look at my sexuality. It is beautiful and respected by some people in society. You also have people who do not know this value and are all too happy to break it. This piece acts as a silent witness to that tension, making it a vital acquisition for collections that prioritise narrative depth and social commentary. It transforms a personal struggle into a universal symbol of human dignity and the right to exist without labels.