Art for Change: Meet the Judges for Europe

This year’s prize asks emerging artists to submit work in response to the theme ‘Regeneration’, bringing the opportunity to create new stories of a liveable future and motivate people to do what it takes to be a driving force for the change we need. 

Six winners from around the world will be decided by some of the best business and creative minds from the M&C Saatchi Group globally and eminent guest judges. 

In this Art for Change series, we hear from our regional judges. Find out what makes them tick artistically, why this year’s theme is so critical, and what they are looking for in our winners.

Introducing our judges for Europe: Klara Eide, partner and executive strategy director at M&C Saatchi Stockholm, Christian 'Kidde' Schuck, managing creative director at M&C Saatchi Berlin, Michael Elmenbeck, founder and creative director at CF HILL Art Space and Bon Magazine.

Q> If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Klara> Teleportation would be amazing. But I would need it for my family too. Then we would travel the world without ruining it. Breakfast in Jaipur, a swim at the great barrier reef and then lunch in Antarctica.

Kidde> My brain tells me it should be mind reading and mind control or the Power of Magneto or Dark Phoenix (for everyone who knows X-Men). But my sneaky curiosity would love to be invisible to sneak around, eavesdrop and find out how people behave when they think they are alone.

Michael> To go back in time and meet all the great unappreciated masters of art and support them in their dreams. Imagine telling Van Gogh or Hilma af Klint you love their art while they were alive. 

Q> How would you sum up your job in three words?

Klara> Creative, dynamic and (mostly) fun.

Kidde> Social glue, gentle whip, 100% child.

MichaeL> Fun. Fun. Fun.

Q> Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Klara> I constantly crave new input and inspiration and I try to experience as much as I can in life. I love to see new places, meet new people, try new restaurants, or read books outside my bubble. 

Kidde> Where I least expect it.

Michael> Instagram. Dance floors. Studio visits. Conversations.

Q> Why did you agree to judge this year’s Art for Change Prize?

Klara> To see and review all the amazing work. It really is an inspirational boost. 

Kidde> To find inspiration 😉 And to see if judging art is / has to be as pretentious and snobby as it is displayed in films.

Michael> Because I truly believe that art can make a change for people or even larger groups. 

Q> This year’s theme is ‘Regeneration’. Why do you think this theme is so important?

Klara> Regeneration is one of the most critical issues of our time. We all need to take action and encourage change through all means possible. Whatever field we are in. Not just the obvious ones. For example, I love how Coldplay are leading the way, inspiring change and creating awareness within the music industry.  

Kidde> Whoever doesn’t get the importance of it has probably lived on Mars for the last decade. Then they should stay there, because that seems to be plan(et) B nowadays.

Michael> Because life is important. Because Mother Earth with its nature and people living here are so fucked up doing stupid things for fun, about to ruin what has taken generations to develop. So, let’s hope for a rewind and re-generate things for a better future. 

Q> If you could have your portrait painted by one artist from art history, who would it be?

Klara> Edvard Munch. And the portrait would hang alone on a huge wall at the new Munch museum in Oslo. 

Kidde> Does it have to be painted or could I get a statue from Michelangelo to maybe spit water for eternity in a fountain? Here again, my brain tells me to pick the most expensive artist to keep and sell it. But I often like the not so well-known artists that are colorful and fun. In general, I’m not the biggest fan of portraits. But I think probably Jackson Pollock would be the most fun.

Michael> It would be between Basquiat, Klimt or Giacometti. Living would be Victor Man. The best painter in the world.

Q> You’re judging entries for Europe. What will you be looking for as a judge?

Klara> Something that is fresh and new. That evokes emotions. 

Kidde> Something I haven’t seen so far – both stylistically as well as content-wise. The topic is easy to be taken too literally.

Michael> Quality. Uniqueness. Confidence. 

Q> Do you think art can create meaningful change?

Klara> Of course. That is what great art does. It creates small or big meaningful change in the way we see things, perceive the world, or just changes a momentary feeling. 

Kidde> Well, at the very least it can make you think. It would be great if an artwork could shake people’s very core and change the world rather than just spilling soup on one to get attention.

Michael> I do believe so, that’s why projects like this are so important. When more and more people are driven by algorithms and stupid influencers, art and originality are more important than ever.