Die Verwandlung (2017)

Overview

Translated from German, Die Verwandlung means, 'The Metamorphosis', a title that aligns with King Kong Magazine's 'Metamorphosis Issue' (September 2017), in which Jacobsen's imagery also appears. This notion encompasses a variety of the elements that were studied during Jacobsen’s residency at SHOWstudio in London. Jacobsen cites human shapes found in everyday objects, the intervention of the body through digital techniques, his experiences living abroad, and a focus on raw-looking materials and the unfinished in this work. Working with materials including plastic, dough, and inflated latex condoms, Jacobsen collaborated with mistress of make-up Alex Box to create a shape-shifting character played by dancer Jonathan Luke Baker. The final film and imagery reflect states of discord and harmony in the natural world, manipulated by Jacobsen's digital skill.