Tales of Lipstick and Virtue deals with the crossroads of gender, class, ethnicity and their interconnection to self representation as well as post-colonialism, authenticity and pseudo luxury.
My work consists of portraits in Albania and figurative fake-stills of brand imitations and counterfeit luxury out of the studio. Using methods of documentary, fashion and advertising photography, I am blurring the thin line between original and bootleg, truth and  fiction, genuine and counterfeit.The question if, especially in the post-communistic context of Albania, visual and sexual self-determination as well as femininity are empowering young women globally, is playing a key role. Intersections of class and aesthetics and their (non)euro-centric backgrounds are examined with a playful use of saccharine colour, stylization and humour. Since we are all products of a multi-faceted mesh of influences, what is it that makes us and the objects we are related to authentic?


ANNA EHRENSTEIN
Born 1993, Schwäbisch Hall, Germany.
Lives and works in Berlin, Germany.