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Maybe it’s just me, and that I’ve recently become more aware of it, but there seems to be a lot of Superhero-themed art around lately. Even just strolling through the Chelsea Market a couple of weeks ago, the walls were covered with photos of superheroes in everyday poses by photographer Gregg Segal.

Currently at Berlin’s Galerie Dreschler, the Germany-based artist Patricia Waller has an exhibit entitled Broken Heroes. These sculptural pieces illustrate superheroes and cartoon characters in what look like humorous situations at first glance, but upon closer look, they evoke a sadness through their misfortunes and personality disorders.

Waller views her work as a critical reflection on the cult of celebrity, today’s substitute for the superhero:

They are role models and bearers of hope, they reflect our longing for the special. Heroes don’t just appear, they are created. The pressure to always look your best, the obligation to constantly be positive, and the knowledge of being observed all the time can result in identity disorders…

If you like these you might also enjoy Marcos Minunchin’s photos and Igor Scalisi Palminteri’s Superhero Saints.

Photos courtesy of the artist and Galerie Deschler.