Useless Sacrifice is a short film by Berlin-based, Swedish artist Anna Uddenberg produced in collaboration with co-director Thyago Sainte. Known for her hypersexualized sculptures of female figures, Uddenberg has long been intrigued by the concept of imitated authenticity. Her work delves into the intersection of various forms of fetishism, from BDSM and other sexual expressions to Instagram influencers and the insidious grip of capitalist commodification.

Set within the dual settings of her recent exhibitions at Meredith Rosen Gallery in New York City and Schinkel Pavillon in Berlin, Uddenberg’s latest project extends these investigations into the medium of film, using her sculptures as uncanny objects enacted upon by rigidly professional women and young men in adult diapers. In the film, both gallery settings are activated with a performative narrative that positions the female protagonist in a place of authority, confronting and subverting gender normativity.

Useless Sacrifice seamlessly integrates elements synonymous with Uddenberg's performance art, featuring audacious, yet meticulously designed sculptures that invite contemplation on power dynamics, agency, and the pervasive influence of aspiration culture.

Useless Sacrifice marks a significant milestone for the artist as it represents Uddenberg’s first film.

Read the artist’s biography here.