Charlotte Krieger’s photographic work explores vernacular notions of ornamentation and beauty. Across several distinct series, these themes are approached in a unique visual language that oscillates between tradition and modernity. The images raise questions about the historical function of ornament and its contemporary transformations, as well as the place of certain cultural traditions in today’s world.
The book brings together photographs that resist easy categorisation—ranging across genres such as documentary, studio photography, portraiture, and still life. The result is a contemporary visual narrative that radiates generosity, joy and vitality.
Spare No Expense offers a comprehensive look at a body of work developed over a decade and across multiple countries and continents, including Switzerland, Germany, the United States, India, Kenya and Egypt. The book sits at the intersection of atlas, encyclopaedia, instructional manual and flea-market treasure—blurring boundaries in both form and content. Despite its carefully considered sequencing and design, the imagery appears deliberately interwoven in a seemingly random way, heightening the formal connections between the series and creating a rich, sensual and colourful universe.
A text by art historian Thomas Golsenne—an expert in ornamentation—provides an additional layer of interpretation. At times, it responds directly to Krieger’s images; at others, it reflects more broadly on ornament and vernacular aesthetics, offering intellectual depth to the visual experience.
Published with the kind support of Pro Helvetia, city of Lausanne, canton of Vaud and Arts Visuels Vaud.
