The beautiful appearance has always been a picture topic in art. The ancient source of Plinius’ on the ancient Greek painter Zeuxis, who painted grapes so illusionistic that birds tried to pick them, already witnesses the effort to obtain, by means of artistic representation, an illusory effect. Viewers are equally irritated and fascinated by the perfect illusion and mimetic attraction as well as the moment of surprise realising the deception. Artists still work with this strategy, with all available means and media. What is reality, which illusion?

On a second level the illusion can be an accepted part of everyday life, even as cement, holding together social and society structures. The apparent is always also a reflection on the authenticity of the presentation. Can, in the end, the strategy Trompe-l’œil be brought in connection with the plagiarism, in order to critically question the idea of the original and lead to absurdity?

The NKV Wiesbaden is pleased to present a group exhibition with international artistic positions under the title "Keeping up Appearances".

Not the answer to the question about the alleged truth is cruciall but rather the path to an insight – perhaps this is exactly the search for „the lost“ Paradise, that has driven man for centuries, between replica and original, promises and disappointment, illusion and reality.