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Exploring Emotional Resonance - Franz-Josef Baur’s “Perception Fading Youth” German born contemporary artist Franz-Josef Baur’s series “Perception Fading Youth” delves into the interplay between colors and emotions, questioning whether color alone can evoke the same emotional depth as a detailed sculpture. This collection is characterized by a refined reduction of forms and a masterful use of color to achieve a profound emotional impact. Central to the series is the iconic Mickey Mouse, a symbol of shared childhood memories, which Baur uses to bridge the gap between nostalgia and contemporary art. In a unique collaboration with photographer Mario Schmolka, Baur enhances his work by featuring Austrian TV host Sasa Schwarzjirg in “Perception Fading Youth,” adding a human dimension to the artistic narrative. This inclusion blurs the boundaries between art and humanity, integrating human subjects into abstract representations to emphasize the humanity behind the forms. Sasa Schwarzjirg reflects on her participation: “Fading Youth is an omnipresent theme in showbiz, with replacements always in sight. But I don’t mourn my youth. Maybe since my inner child takes such a big space in my heart and mindsight? I have only developed my self-confidence over the years and feel more settled than ever. Nevertheless, the photo shoot was a challenge. I’m known for my major TV shows in an idealized, almost stylized perfection with hair and makeup. Standing in front of a camera so raw initially reminded me of my insecure, younger self.” Baur expresses his vision: “For years, I have been dealing with the theme of ‘human and art’ and love to connect the two; to blur boundaries. The art photoshoot with Sasa was a day of ‘performance art.’” About the Collaborators Sasa Schwarzjirg: An Austrian TV presenter, Sasa Schwarzjirg is renowned for her work on ‘The Masked Singer’ and her talk and travel shows on national television. She has been a European L’Oréal Testimonial and Ambassador, as well as a Wella Spokesperson. Mario Schmolka: An Austrian-American photographer, Mario Schmolka is known for his strong yet sensual imagery. After graduating from the College of Photography in Vienna, Schmolka moved to Milan and worked with influential photographers on major productions. His portfolio