A pea-pod, a huge bag, a potted plant, advertising slogans or self-help books — Sereina Steinemann (*1984) takes a close look at the everyday presented in her paintings, drawings and zines. While the artist shares her interest in the world of commodities with Pop Art, she presents these ordinary things with great affection and with a smile, instead of as cool-sleek still lives. Thanks to the simplicity of the motif and the painting style her works subsequently make a touching impact, like for example the painting of a colourful ringed woollen sock or of a blue cup on a red-and-white checked tablecloth. Sereina Steinemann does not copy the world of advertising, instead she questions its idiom, both formally and thematically. She uses the well-known logo of a crisps package so as to focus on her doubt as a painter. Her works always express an appreciation of simple things. Under this amiable gaze, even failure can be fun, as demonstrated by the series Heute gelingt mir nichts (Today I can get nothing right).

Sereina Steinemann was awarded the City of Lucerne’s publication prize spot on. Volume 21 of this series will provide a comprehensive insight into her creative work.