Interview
Anika Geldner
Anika Geldner is undoubtedly a person of profound creativity and unconventional spirit. She plays with the boundaries of reality and fantasy, weaving a world in which the lines between the organic and the mechanical blur. Her art is a reflection of a modern soul. Anika Geldner's pictures mark the point where the realistic breaks into the spheres of the not openly depicted. They are boundary markers for the viewer's imagination, giving the tangible concepts of our reality a non-objective counterpole.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey into the art world began while I was studying political science, when I enrolled on a course in abstract painting. The encounter with abstract painting was a revelation; the colours and shapes that moved beyond the boundaries of the concrete world fascinated me deeply. My teacher recognized a certain talent in my work and encouraged me to pursue this path further. After completing the course, I discovered a new world of possibilities that inspired me to explore them with canvas and acrylic paint. Painting became a joyful expression of myself, a way of communicating that went beyond words. With each brushstroke, I felt more fulfilled and found in art a source of inspiration and personal growth. Art became an integral part of my life, a constant companion that encouraged me to scrutinize and question the world around me. It taught me to see the beauty in the mundane and to appreciate the complexity of the simple. This journey has shaped me not only as an artist, but also as a person.”
What inspires you?
“As an abstract artist, I find inspiration in the works of masters such as Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and Joan Miró . Their ability to capture emotions and ideas beyond physical reality deeply impresses me. Klee with his poetic language of geometry, Kandinsky with his bold use of colour as a means of emotional expression and Miró with his playful and often surrealistic approach, open up new perspectives on art for me. But it is not only the great artists who inspire me. The everyday life situations that I experience, the travelling that I do and the everyday interaction with people - all this feeds my creativity. Observing the play of light and shadow in a busy café, the unexpected combination of colours on a street corner or the unique dynamic between strangers - such moments are invaluable to me. It is these everyday encounters and experiences that are reflected in my work. They are what give me the freedom to experiment on canvas and explore the boundaries of abstract art. In every brushstroke, in every layer of colour, there is a story, an echo of the world as I see and feel it. It is a constant striving for the expression of the inexpressible that drives and inspires me as an artist.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In my work as an abstract artist, I pursue themes centered around the exploration of human consciousness and interaction with our environment. I strive to visualize the invisible connections between our inner experiences and the outer world. My art is a dialogue between the visible and the invisible, the conscious and the unconscious. The subliminal message of my work is unity in diversity and the beauty of complexity. I want to show that there is a universe hidden within each of us, rich in colours, shapes and emotions. My paintings are often ambiguous and invite the viewer to find their own interpretation and emotional response.”
How would you describe your work?
“As an abstract artist, I describe my work as detailed, intricate and time-consuming. Let me explain how these aspects are expressed in my artistic practice: Detailed: There is an immense attention to detail in my work. Every brushstroke, every layer of colour, every line is carefully placed. I explore the nuances of colours, textures and shapes. The details are the key to conveying the depth and complexity of my abstract compositions. The choice of colours, their intensity and their placement on the canvas are carefully considered. I experiment with different techniques to achieve the desired effects. Small-scale: My works are often infused with a variety of smaller elements. These can be geometric shapes, lines, dots or organic structures. I love working with micro details that come together to form a larger whole. The small details allow me to create different levels of meaning. The viewer can lose themselves in my pictures and keep discovering new details. Time-consuming: Creating my art requires patience and dedication. I invest days, weeks and sometimes months in a single work. The time I spend with each brushstroke is a journey of self-reflection and expression. The intensity of time is also a conscious decision. It allows me to engage deeply in the creative process, to follow intuition and push the boundaries of my own imagination. Overall, my work as an abstract artist is a journey of discovery, drawing inspiration from the great masters, incorporating everyday experiences and challenging myself to make the invisible visible. It is a journey that fulfils me and fascinates me again and again.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and Joan Miró.”
“In my work as an abstract artist, I pursue themes centered around the exploration of human consciousness and interaction with our environment.”
What is your creative process like?
“As an abstract artist, my creative process is a fascinating journey from inspiration to completion of a work. Let me give you an insight into this process:
1. Finding Inspiration : - My creative process begins with the search for inspiration. This can come from a variety of sources - be it an encounter with a special place, a conversation with a friend or looking at a painting. The works of Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and Joan Miró often serve as a starting point for my thoughts. - Everyday life situations, travelling and daily contact with people are also sources of inspiration. I keep my eyes and ears open to take in the world around me and gather ideas.
2. Develop a concept : - After finding an idea, I start to develop a concept. What colours, shapes and textures do I want to use? What emotions do I want to convey? I sketch out my thoughts and let my intuition run free. - The works of the artists mentioned inspire me to go beyond concrete representation and explore abstract elements. I ask myself: How can I make the invisible visible?
3. Material selection and preparation : - I choose the materials that suit my vision. Canvas, acrylic colours, brushes - each tool has its own meaning. The canvas is my stage, the colours my language. - I prepare the workspace and create an atmosphere that encourages my creativity. Music, light, silence - depending on the mood.
4. Painting and experimenting : - The actual act of painting is meditative for me. I dip the brush into the paint and let it glide over the canvas. I experiment with different techniques. - The works of Klee, Kandinsky and Miró encourage me to be courageous, to cross boundaries and explore new paths. I let my intuition guide me and follow the flow of colours.
5. Reflection and revision : - After the work is complete, I take a step back and look at it with a fresh eye. What works well? What can be improved? - Sometimes I revise my work to achieve the desired effect. It's a process of filing and polishing.
6. Finishing and presentation : - When I am satisfied with the result, I sign the work and let it dry. Then it is ready to be shown to the world - be it in a gallery, at an exhibition or online. - The message of my work is often hidden between the layers of colour and lines. It is an invitation to the viewer to find their own interpretation and embark on the journey of abstract art. Overall, my creative process is a journey of self-discovery, curiosity and expression. Each work is a reflection of my thoughts, emotions and experiences - a dialogue between me and the world.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The role of the artist in society is profound and multi-layered. As an abstract artist, I see myself as an explorer of the invisible, revealing and visualising the hidden layers of reality. Artists are the seismographs of society; we capture the subterranean currents, the emotional and mental states of people and give them expression. In the past, artists were often the pioneers of social change, revealing new ideas and perspectives. Today, in a world that is becoming increasingly networked and digitalised, I believe that the role of the artist is becoming even more important. We have the opportunity to communicate and inspire across cultural and geographical boundaries. In my opinion, the role of the artist will evolve in the future as we enter into even greater dialogue with other disciplines. Collaboration with scientists, technologists and thinkers from different fields can lead to new forms of art and expression. Abstract art, which is not bound to a specific language, can become a universal language that connects people worldwide. The development of new technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality offers us new tools to realize our visions and share them with the public. I see a future in which art becomes even more interactive, turning viewers into participants who can immerse themselves in the works and help shape them. Ultimately, I believe that the role of the artist is to enrich society, to question and contribute to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As an abstract artist, I strive to fulfil this role and actively contribute to the development of art in society.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My recent exhibitions include: Interactive Art Show in Amsterdam ( Amsterdam Central Station), 2024; Thomson Gallery Zug / Schweiz, 2024; “Little treasures 2023” Trevisan International Art Galleria De Marchi / Bologna, 2023; among others.”
Website: anika-geldner.de
Instagram: @anikageldner
