Lena Maria Ludes is a German visual artist and design based in Malta.  Starting February 2, the 27 year-old artist will be launching her debut solo exhibition at the Phoenicia, as part of the hotel’s Artist in Residency programme. ‘Beyond the flawless: Embracing the imperfect beauty of humanity’ is the third exhibition, following those of Kenneth Żammit Tabona and Carmel Serracino.

Lena Maria Ludes has an extensive background in fashion as well as art. She had a gift for painting at a young age, so she spent years taking art lessons which allowed her to pick up important painting techniques. However, she also studied for a degree in fashion design and worked in the fashion sector for a while as a model before making the decision to combine her two passions and pursue them both as a career. 

Today, the German artist is happily gearing up for what will be her very first solo exhibit, excited to showcase art that not only speaks to her skill but also her love for modelling and beauty. Curated by Dr Charlene Vella, ‘Beyond the flawless’ features a series of vivid oil paintings centred on ideals of flawlessness and the female form. The exhibition will question accepted ideas of perfection while examining the complex aspects of human existence. 

The paintings examine the rich tapestry of flaws that make each person unique in a society where perfection is frequently sought out and rewarded. Human imperfection is instead put on the pedestal, particularly the fleeting nature of beauty, through her chrome-like works, which are visibly shiny and perfect in their colour, yet flowing in their form. Every painting uses a different colour to convey a different emotion. Although everyone aspires to be flawless and perfect in their own unique way, everyone also has sentiments and emotions that ultimately mould them into the people they are.