German photographer Frank Kunert has been awarded the prestigious "Artlantis" Art Prize by the Bad Homburg Art Association for his unique artistic approach that transports viewers into bizarre miniature worlds. The Frankfurt-born artist creates meticulously crafted architectural models by hand and then photographs them, producing works that are filled with irony and dark humor while exploring the absurdities of everyday life.
One of Kunert's most striking pieces, titled "The Best Seats," depicts a winter cemetery with a grave site at its center that resembles a winner's podium. The three tombstones are numbered 1, 2, and 3, raising puzzling questions about whether there was some kind of competition that continued even into death. This photograph exemplifies the enigmatic quality that characterizes much of Kunert's work.
According to the jury of the Bad Homburg Art Association, Kunert's works are distinguished by their "craftsmanship brilliance in model building and strong fundamental concept." Three of his works are currently on display as part of a group exhibition at the Art Association, with each 3D model positioned directly next to its corresponding photograph. Another notable piece in the exhibition is titled "Meeting Point," which carries its own suggestive implications about human interaction and social spaces.
Kunert developed his meticulous working method immediately after completing his training as a photographer. During his traditional hands-on training in a photo studio, he found himself most drawn to creating illusions with artificial lighting. "Over time, my scenes became smaller and smaller, and then at some point I started building models. That fascination has never let go of me," Kunert explains about his artistic evolution.
The artist has discovered that displaying both the model and the photograph together provides viewers with an expanded perspective on his work. "I've found that it's always quite interesting to show a model alongside the photography because that reveals another dimension," he notes. Interestingly, he observes that the two-dimensional photograph appears more realistic than the actual model itself, while simultaneously offering a different perception. "In times of AI and image manipulation, this is unusual, but it also expands perspective," Kunert reflects on the unique nature of his analog approach.
The "Artlantis" Art Prize is awarded every two years as part of the Bad Homburg Art Association's autumn salon. This year's exhibition features 21 artists from across Germany. In addition to Kunert, ceramic artist Johanna Dembinski was also recognized with the art prize. The autumn salon at the Art Association on Tannenwaldweg runs until October 19, with visiting hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 3 to 6 PM, and on Sundays and holidays from 12 to 6 PM.
