Woman Portrait Gallery #3 — June 2025
Lydia Prien
“Three Studies In Line”
In addition to the prints we are presenting in the group exhibition, we are also showing some originals. These works highlight the challenges and significance of a hand-painted picture. There is no way to digitally alter the work, and it is practical proof of genuine craftsmanship.
Overall, these skills have already declined due to advancing computer technology, and the development of AI will likely mean that even fewer people will be willing to go the extra mile to perfect this art form. That is why the aesthetic and technical expertise of artist Lydia Prien is a great enrichment to our collection. Thank you for trusting us to exhibit your drawings and for reminding us how little time has passed since pictures were done only by hand.
The changes that these developments will bring can only be guessed at this point. If things continue as they are, there might soon be very little demand for hand-painted pictures, for hand-made art. Just as there is now only a small market for hand-painted tableware. And if the incentive that comes with professionalization is missing, fewer and fewer people will devote themselves entirely to creating art.
Lydia Prien gives us an answer to the question of what art production freed from economic principles might look like — she did not paint these pictures to sell them. The entire process, from the idea to the creation to the moment when the works are visible to the public at Kaffeemitte, is purely driven by intrinsic motivation. And that is perhaps what we can learn from artists like Lydia Prien: creating and exhibiting art creates joy and meaning!
And in this race, AI will never be able to catch up with us.
Overall, these skills have already declined due to advancing computer technology, and the development of AI will likely mean that even fewer people will be willing to go the extra mile to perfect this art form. That is why the aesthetic and technical expertise of artist Lydia Prien is a great enrichment to our collection. Thank you for trusting us to exhibit your drawings and for reminding us how little time has passed since pictures were done only by hand.
The changes that these developments will bring can only be guessed at this point. If things continue as they are, there might soon be very little demand for hand-painted pictures, for hand-made art. Just as there is now only a small market for hand-painted tableware. And if the incentive that comes with professionalization is missing, fewer and fewer people will devote themselves entirely to creating art.
Lydia Prien gives us an answer to the question of what art production freed from economic principles might look like — she did not paint these pictures to sell them. The entire process, from the idea to the creation to the moment when the works are visible to the public at Kaffeemitte, is purely driven by intrinsic motivation. And that is perhaps what we can learn from artists like Lydia Prien: creating and exhibiting art creates joy and meaning!
And in this race, AI will never be able to catch up with us.
Context
