“In Aspik” – Installation by Karoline Ketelhake

In a society where those perceived as female are still not allowed to age, a deeply rooted and distorted beauty ideal is reflected.

Barbie „In Aspik“ – a transparent substance made from Gelatin which is made of meat broth. Aspic is used to preserve food. Gelatin is hydrolyzed collagen from the connective tissue of pigs. This collagen is meant to preserve female read persons, in the form of various anti-aging products.

Barbie, trapped in the “collagen cage,” stands here as a symbol of the obsession of young-looking and the reduction to outward appearance. Aspic had its heyday in the 1960s. Collagen still does and keeps those perceived as female trapped in unrealistic expectations.

The installation invites visitors to question these standards and take a critical look at the ideal of eternal youth.