How do you describe your own art practice?
When I try to project myself into a situation, it helps me process to the world around me. As a consequence, I find myself constantly collecting images from the media, internet and art history that I find curious, unexpected but yet somehow resonate with me in a way that makes me want to explore further.
Through photography, performance and digital production, I then explore the images using my own person to re-enact the images thus creating new meanings to the original found image. It is through this practice that I feel I am able to contribute by helping makes sense of the Zeitgeist culturally, socially and/or politically.
Series 'The one that couldn’t get away Wall Game I (clap)' 2020, photographic print, 66x85cm
Which question or theme is central in your work?
There are a couple of central themes in my work. As a photographer I am conscious not only about the medium and its role in Fine Art but more generally about how photographic imagery is used in the media but society and how it shapes the worlds we inhabit. My work is constantly reflecting, challenging and questioning the photography as used in broader society and the specific context of fine art photography.
Another central theme in my work is the patterns of individuals that form within a collective, crowd or any other grouping of people. This became clearest to me when I lived in London during the period when there were many riots happening in the UK and abroad. I noticed that the events were being documented/presented on Social media and the mainstream media in a very similar way. I have since become fascinated by the thought – why are so many individuals doing the exact same thing at the same time?
Exhibition view of solo show Universal Pattern at Kunsthalle Goeppingen 2022 / work Sunrise, sculpture, photographic print 240x180x160cm
What was your first experience with art?
My first conscious and active experience with art was in primary school. The teacher asked us to paint with watercolours on a very wet piece of paper. The result was a lot of runny, colourful and organic shapes. Once the paper had dried, we re-traced all the shapes of objects or animals that we recognised on that colourful piece of paper. At the end my paper was full with things I saw and I had to stop myself before it gotten too much. I feel that my practise has not changed much, I still try to find patterns and things in a chaotic and colourful landscape.
Exhibition view of solo show Universal Pattern at Kunsthalle Goeppingen 2022
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
The news, classical and modern paintings as well as comic books.
Universal Pattern I (2011), installation view during the Deptford X festival in London (UK)
What do you need in order to create your work?
I think first and foremost there needs to be an urge to express yourself.
Marble an Drapes (#006), photographic print, 70x50cm
What work or artist has most recently surprised you?
I recently saw Nicole Eisman’s show “What Happened” at the Museum Brandhorst in Munich. I had not seen her paintings, wall installations and sculptures before. I was really impressed by her skills as a painter and storyteller – but the humour and political directness in her work was most inspiring.
Series 'Gestalt'
Gestalt (guise #005)2012, photographic print, 80x60cm
