Interview
Ilona Makrutzki
Ilona Makrutzki is a talented and multifaceted artist who has made a name for herself in the world of film production, writing, and painting.
Her paintings are a reflection of her innermost thoughts and emotions, and she has a unique ability to convey these through a variety of expressive techniques. Each of her pieces explores a different theme, yet they all possess a singular, individual quality that invites the viewer to take a closer look and delve deeper into their own inner world.
For Ilona, art is a journey—both for the artist and the viewer. Much like producing a movie, creating a painting is a form of travel; an exploration of the self that can lead to greater understanding and empathy for others.
Through her art, Ilona seeks to help people connect with their own thoughts, feelings and passions, and to share that experience with others. Ultimately, her work is an invitation to join her on a safe and enlightening journey of self-discovery.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’ve had a passion for art since my early youth, and I’ve pursued this enthusiasm by working in radio and television, as well as studying literature, philosophy, and psychology. At the age of 21, I was able to produce my first documentary which exposed me to renowned artists such as Michel Piccoli, Juliette Greco, and Otto Sander.
My artistic concept is centered around connecting different forms of art in pursuit of the perfect synthesis between them. My unique experimental style continually allows me to create fresh works that are innovative. Consequently, I strive to further develop my artistic skills with creative projects so that more people can be inspired by my art, and experience the world from a whole new perspective.”
What inspires you most?
“I’m inspired by moving visuals, people, music, and the unseen things around us. My art is an amalgamation of painting and film that seeks to make the unseen visible. I allow images to resonate in the soul just like music does, inviting viewers on a journey and providing them with a unique artistic experience.
In addition, when creating projects, I draw upon nature’s beauty, as well as the diverse cultures and history of humanity. Through this combination of influences, each work becomes truly special and has a lasting impact on the viewer.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In my work, I explore themes of transience and beauty in life. I use gold to symbolize the idea that it is often through breaking things that we can reveal their true beauty and potential—a concept that reflects my philosophy on personal development. Like polishing a diamond, pain can lead to infinite beauty.
My art also seeks to show the mystical and fragile aspects of life. I experiment with everyday materials, creating unexpected connections to reflect the flow of life. Ultimately, my goal is to show people how they, too, can rediscover the beauty within themselves amidst their fragility and transience. My creative works invite viewers to embark on an emotional journey, engaging with these themes on a deeper level.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is a unique combination of visual, emotional, mystical and fragile elements. I use various materials and techniques to bring my interpretation of daily life to life, imbuing them with deeper meaning and emotion.
I create spontaneously, guided by my intuition. But sometimes, I have a concept that changes during the creative process. My goal is for viewers to be moved emotionally and gain a new perspective on life. Each artwork is special and reflective of the complexity of this process.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My work is heavily influenced by literature, philosophy and psychology, as well as artists like Cézanne, Picasso and Richter. I also look to icons of my youth such as Michel Piccoli, Juliette Greco and Otto Sander for inspiration. Their art has shaped me greatly.
My aim is to create a synthesis of different art forms, exploring the beauty in life through fragile and transient elements.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is an intense and demanding marathon, requiring a strong inner urge to visualize what I feel inside me. Music plays an important role in unlocking my creativity. It allows me to access a state where I can let the artwork flow freely.
When creating art, I often forget the external world and become completely consumed by the intensity of the process, leaving me exhausted yet satisfied when it is complete.
“Creating art is like the flow of life: sometimes gentle, sometimes wild, but always consuming.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“In today’s interconnected society, art has become an increasingly important tool for raising awareness and creating meaningful change. And as an artist, I take this responsibility seriously. My art isn’t just an expression of my personal thoughts and feelings. It’s also a means of conveying messages to the world, especially on subjects that are often overlooked or ignored.
Through global networks, artists now have the power to reach much wider audiences than ever before, acting as voices for those who traditionally don’t always get heard. Through their unique perspective, artists can elicit powerful insight into our culture, and inspire us to question what we had previously taken for granted. By creating works that spark dialogue and provoke questions, the artist’s role in society becomes even more significant as they can be agents of transformation, helping to resolve issues across cultural and political boundaries.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve enjoyed the following exhibitions:
- Vancouver, solo exhibition. This was an incredibly special moment for me. It was a true milestone in my career, giving me an invaluable opportunity to showcase my work and receive feedback from art critics.
- Galerie Baden in Baden-Baden which was a great success. I presented my works alongside those of renowned artists.
- Art Fair Zagreb. Winning first prize further reaffirmed my artistic direction and inspired me to strive for even greater achievements.
- Art Box Miami offered an exciting platform for showcasing my work on a global stage.
I’m also fortunate enough to have exhibited abroad in Nice, Paris, and Offenburg. These exhibitions allowed me to broaden my horizons, explore different cultures, and learn more about international art trends.”
