Sarah Ortmeyer, in collaboration with Alexis Kunsak, creates visual presentations based on her research and interest in the history of style, often building on overlooked connections between cultural and historical icons. Ortmeyer studies with Wolfgang Tillmans at the prestigious visual arts school Staatliche Hochschule für Bildende Künste—Städelschule in Frankfurt, Germany.
The installation KANT ELEGANT derives its inspiration from Immanuel Kant. Kant was not only well known in his time in Königsberg as a teacher, writer, and thinker, but also as an inherently elegant man. In clothing and dress he matched colors based on flowers because, as he said, “Nature doesn’t produce what doesn’t cater to the eyes.” With this in mind, KANT ELEGANT aims to connect with and bring out the natural scenery of Watermill, presenting one outfit each from Coco Chanel (France), Yohji Yamamoto (Japan), Karl Lagerfeld (Germany), Calvin Klein (USA), and Giorgio Armani (Italy). The exhibitions match the clothing from these designers to fitting counterparts in color from the surrounding area.