The Cologne-based artist Agnete Sabbagh is a visual storyteller; the motifs are depictions of a brief moment captured in a photograph – sometimes photo details from old illustrated books, sometimes her own photographs. Her works are surrounded by a mysterious, painterly atmosphere created by the application of an antique wax technique – encaustic or photoencaustic.
For some time now, the artist has been intensively exploring the expressive possibilities of this medium. Working with hot wax fascinates Agnete Sabbagh in several ways: it enables her to combine the ancient technique with modern digital photography, analogue ink or gouache painting by burning hot, liquid wax onto the printed photo in layers and working with different structures, carved elements or textures. The play with the partial blurring creates a special depth in the pictures, while at the same time the waxy sealing creates a certain distance, which nevertheless evokes the desire to be able to touch the works.
