Where are you from, and how would you describe yourself and your art?
I’m originally from Central Germany and have been living in Berlin for the past eighteen years. It’s quite difficult for me to describe myself; I believe my art does that better than I ever could. I’m a creative mind, which doesn’t always make everyday life easier, but it gives me a deep sense of purpose and freedom. My work reflects my perception, my emotions, and the fleeting moments that shape life. In many ways, my art speaks the language of who I am.
What art movement, period or artist influenced your work ?
My artistic practice is shaped by a range of movements and artists who have deeply influenced and inspired me. Among them are Cy Twombly, the Zero collective, Neo Rauch, Joan Miró, Frank Bowling, Sterling Ruby, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Gerhard Richter, just to name a few. Their unique approaches to color, material, and expression have each left a lasting mark on my own visual language.
At the same time, I draw inspiration from contemporary artists whose works reinterpret form, color, and meaning in new ways. These current dialogues in art naturally find resonance within my process.
It is difficult to define my inspiration through a single movement, yet Abstract Expressionism remains a crucial foundation. Its emotional immediacy, freedom, and emphasis on gesture and intensity of color continue to guide my work. By combining expressive abstraction with my own sense of color and rhythm, I aim to develop something personal, an individual language that feels intuitive, direct, and open to interpretation.
How Politics Influence your art
Politics have a significant influence on my work. I follow current events closely, and they often shape some of my pieces. When it comes to large, colorful abstract paintings, color and expression remain at the forefront. However, in my more cryptic works, I sometimes incorporate political themes, reflecting issues that matter to me.
Politics also play an important role in my daily life. In Germany, being self-employed comes with numerous regulations and challenges that can make life more complicated. My daily routine is inevitably affected by political realities, and while I sometimes wish I could set these concerns aside, they naturally find their way into my art. In the end, politics are an inseparable part of both my life and my creative process.
What Has Collaborating with the Fashion Industry? Taught You
Collaborating with the fashion industry has shown me that my art translates very well onto clothing and accessories. It has taught me that perhaps one day I could even release my own fashion items. The main insight, however, was that my colors and artistic language work exceptionally well in a fashion context.
At the same time, I have learned that the fashion industry is very different from the art world. You need to adapt to its rules and processes, which can be quite distinct. For that reason, it might often make sense to create your own path and maintain control over your vision. I am curious to see what the future holds in this area.
What Are the Challenges You Face as a Local vs. Global Artist?
For me, the biggest challenge in both local and international contexts is managing bureaucracy and communication. Working with many different people, especially from abroad, where cultural approaches and expectations can vary widely, can sometimes be frustrating. While it is exciting to exchange ideas internationally and meet new people, it also comes with risks. At the same time, these experiences are incredibly enriching, as they allow me to discover new cultures, meet inspiring people, and travel to amazing places.
The main challenge, however, is unreliable partners. Many people are simply not professional, often making big promises but leaving you to handle things on your own. This has been a major learning experience for me. Unprofessional or inconsistent collaborators consume a lot of my energy, leaving me with less time and focus to dedicate to my studio practice. Essentially, the biggest challenge is balancing the demands of international projects with the actual work of painting. As an artist becomes more visible and engaged in collaborations, the attention and energy required for these partnerships can take away from the time and focus needed to create in the studio.
If You Hadn’t Chosen Art as Your Career, What Other Path Would You Have Taken?
That’s an interesting question. Before my artistic career, I spent many years as a DJ, which was also a creative path. Before that, I tried a wide range of jobs, including office work, so I have experience across many different fields.
Looking ahead, as I grow older and a bit calmer, and no longer feel the need for the constant bustle of the city, I could see myself working as a farmer. I imagine being on my own farm, surrounded by nature, caring for some animals, and enjoying a simple, happy life with family and friends. Definitely a job that might be physically demanding, but much less mentally stressful than many other paths.
What Would You Say Makes Your Art Special?
That’s a difficult question to answer. What certainly sets me apart is my constant experimentation. I have explored different materials, drawn inspiration from other artists, and studied how they worked and which techniques they used, all in the effort to develop my own style.
Another factor that defines my work is perseverance. I have consistently stayed committed to my practice, which has likely allowed me to develop a distinct style. I have seen many people who were inspired and tried painting themselves, but often they gave up or lost interest before fully developing their own voice. This persistence is something that sets me apart from many others in the field.
Ultimately, what makes my work truly unique goes beyond my own perspective, and I might not be the best person to judge that. In the end, perhaps it is the viewers who should decide what makes my art special.
If You Had to Paint with Unconventional Materials (e.g., Dirt, Food, Make-up), Which One Would You Choose and Why?
That’s a simple question for me. I would choose fruits, flowers, and the feathers of tropical birds, especially birds-of-paradise, which often inspire me with their vibrant colors. Fruits and flowers also offer bright, striking hues that are incredibly intense, positive, and inspiring. These elements—fruits, flowers, and the vivid feathers—offer a natural palette that is both expressive and visually captivating.
What Song Describes Your Creative Process Best?
I enjoy listening to experimental music, electronic experimental music, or cool jazz while painting. I appreciate the improvisational aspect of these styles, which is often unpredictable and abstract, much like my own creative process. It is difficult to pick a single song, so I would rather associate my work with these musical styles in general, as they reflect the spontaneity and freedom that I aim for in my art.
However, if I had to name one specific song that I have actually listened to very often while painting and that reflects a lot of what I do, it would be Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode.
What Are the Next Steps in Your Career or a Goal You Would Like to Achieve?
That’s a difficult question to answer, because a lot has already happened in my career, often exceeding my expectations and surprising me in many ways. My main goal now is simply to continue enjoying painting and to make a living from it without worrying about how I will get by each month. I believe this should be the goal of every artist: to be able to live from your art, and to have art open doors and opportunities. For me, this is the greatest goal I can imagine.
We live in a time where, especially on social media, certain people are praised simply for looking good, being wealthy, or presenting themselves as artists, often because of their connections or just because society supports it. Another important goal for me is to remain authentic, to stay true to what initially motivated me to make art, and to continue having fun with the process. Ideally, I hope to sustain myself from my work while keeping that authenticity intact.
