The exhibition explores the intersection between reality TV, politics and The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen. In the end of the fairy tale, everyone is aware that the emperor has nothing on, but the emperor ignores this and continues with his procession. This reflects how politicians rarely admit that they have made mistakes. If they do not admit their mistakes, they can pretend that everything is fine, just like the emperor. Reality TV, literally suggests that it is real life, yet it is a medium that is heavily edited, to portray new narratives that fit the producers’ vision. This notion of something we are being told is true, yet is highly edited version of the truth, is not uncommon. It is also used in politics and on social media. As if the politician were an influencer, social media is used to connect with followers (voters).

This dynamic between media, politics and reality are being explored in the artworks. They portray an absurd reality, based on the world we live in. As in The Emperor’s New Clothes, there is a collective understanding of what is actually happening. We can point out that the emperor is not wearing any clothes, but as long as the emperor continues his procession, he can ignore this fact.

The exhibiton consists of 11 paintings and one video. The paintings’ titles are all quotes from reality TV.