Martha Jungwirth Ohne Titel, aus der Serie "Hexenflug", 2022

Martha Jungwirth’s Hexenflug (Witches’ Flight) series is named after the painting Vuelo de brujas (Witches’ Flight, c.1798) by the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya (1746–1828). One of a group of six works related to witchcraft, Goya’s painting depicts a writhing mass of levitating witches who appear to devour the figure in their midst, to the horror of onlookers. Viewed through a contemporary lens, the theme of witchcraft – traditionally seen as an evil and unnatural force – alludes to the idea of female empowerment as a perceived threat to men over the centuries. This historical painting is obliquely referenced by Jungwirth in her abstracted, elongated figure wearing a pointed hat and breeches, as well as the brightened colour palette that reflects the muted pinks, greens and golds worn by Goya’s witches.