Alissa Ritter: Lovebites

Portfolio

The ‘obvious’ is not a reliable category – Alissa Ritter does not let viewers get away with a first, superficial glance.

Alissa Ritter’s sculptures and spatial installations evoke memories of familiar objects and rituals associated with private relationships. Her works explore power dynamics, intimacy and sexualisation, drawing attention to the membrane that separates the visible from the invisible. What lies hidden behind the staging? Where does tenderness tip over into violence, and can chains made of sugar beads be shackles? Is the glow on the mask’s cheeks a thin film of sweat, and why does it seem as though we can see our reflection in it?

Alissa Ritter sows doubt. She dissects the masquerade of our visual world and relishes appropriating its sensual aspects. Insight and truth may be the goal of her endeavour – but this cannot be achieved without desire, pain and ambivalence.