Yanis Miltgen

Yanis’ work is a profound exploration of the intersection between art, design and historical narratives, rooted in the haunting imagery of the Black Death. Drawing inspiration from Paul Fürst’s 1656 engraving, he creates a striking anthropomorphic silhouette centred on the crow, a creature associated with death and misfortune. This innovative approach reinterprets the crow’s symbolism and invites viewers to engage in a dialogue about identity and the human condition.

The silhouette merges the aesthetics of historical fashion with contemporary themes of gender and societal constraints, particularly through the corset, which symbolises both beauty and limitation. Employing the Lunéville hook technique, Yanis enriches his embroidery with varied textures, including caviar beads and corals, to evoke a sense of entrapment reminiscent of the corset itself. This tactile quality enhances the emotional depth of the piece, emphasising the dual themes of beauty and pain.

The ensemble, comprising a mask, clawed gloves and a body corset with wings, serves as a powerful commentary on heritage and the often overlooked narratives within our collective history. By weaving together these elements, Yanis crafts a bold statement that challenges perceptions of the past while celebrating the transformative power of art and design. His work resonates with Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision, merging emotion with intellect to create a thought provoking piece.