Interview
Janis Bär
Janis Baer is a contemporary artist specializing in realistic portrait drawings using charcoal and graphite. Her work is defined by emotional depth, quiet presence, and refined technical precision, bringing to light what often remains unspoken or unseen in the human experience. Through nuanced tonal shifts and delicate lighting, she creates intimate portraits that explore themes such as transience, identity, vulnerability, and inner stillness. Her artworks have been exhibited internationally, including at Art Expo New York, Anda Kulova Gallery (Dubai), Nicoletta Gallery (Berlin), Casa del Arte (Palma de Mallorca), Thompson Gallery (Zug, Switzerland), as well as in the Caribbean and various curated group exhibitions. Based between Mallorca and the German-speaking world, Janis Baer approaches her drawing practice as an act of slowing down, offering contemplative visual spaces for connection, reflection, and emotional resonance.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My background is rooted in a lifelong fascination with the human face and its ability to express entire lifetimes in a single glance. I began drawing at a very young age, captivated by the quiet strength and vulnerability found in portraiture. Although I initially explored various creative disciplines, I found my true voice through charcoal and graphite, mediums that allow for subtlety, contrast, and emotional depth. My journey into the art world evolved organically: from solitary sketching to exhibiting in respected international galleries such as Art Expo New York, Casa del Arte in Palma, and the Nicoletta Gallery in Berlin. Each piece I create is a reflection of inner stillness, human resilience, and the silent stories written into every face. Today, my work is dedicated to celebrating realism through emotionally charged, hyper-detailed drawings that invite contemplation and personal connection.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My work does not directly comment on current political or social issues, but rather explores the human condition on a deeper, more universal level. Through intimate, hyper realistic portraits, I seek to create quiet spaces where themes such as solitude, loss, identity, and the passage of time become tangible. These are experiences that transcend cultural and societal boundaries, touching something inherently human in all of us. At the same time, I view the slowness of my medium, charcoal and graphite, as a quiet form of resistance against a fast-paced, overstimulated world. It’s about depth, presence, and emotional authenticity. Ultimately, I believe art has the power to foster empathy, and in doing so, it carries its own quiet but meaningful social relevance.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My work is carefully planned in advance, but I leave space for intuitive decisions during the process. Each piece begins with a clear emotional intention and a vision for the composition, lighting, and mood. I often start by collecting references or sketching key elements, but the drawing itself evolves slowly, allowing for small shifts and discoveries to happen organically. Even within a structured framework, there’s room for improvisation, especially in the textures, shading transitions, and emotional nuances. This balance between intention and spontaneity helps the work remain alive, layered, and authentic.”
“Through intimate, hyper realistic portraits, I seek to create quiet spaces where themes such as solitude, loss, identity, and the passage of time become tangible.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I observe current art world trends with interest, but my own work doesn’t follow any particular trend. Instead, it is guided by an inner commitment to depth, reduction, and technical precision. That said, I do recognize a growing shift back toward traditional techniques and genuine craftsmanship, as well as a renewed appreciation for authenticity and emotional resonance in art. This direction aligns well with the essence of my work. Still, my primary focus remains on the human being within the portrait, the quiet presence, and the emotional honesty expressed through the drawing.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“My artistic process is highly focused and meditative. I work primarily with charcoal pencils, graphite, and blending tools on high-quality Bristol paper. Each drawing begins with a light structural sketch to establish proportions and composition. From there, I slowly build up the layers working from soft gradients to rich darks using fine strokes, blending techniques, and precision erasing to achieve depth, texture, and emotional presence. I pay special attention to light, shadow, and subtle tonal transitions, which are essential in creating the quiet realism I strive for. I often use just one or two carefully selected tools for hours at a time, allowing for complete immersion in the details. The process is slow and deliberate, but that’s where the intimacy of the work lives.”
What does your art mean to you?
“My art is both a language and a sanctuary. It allows me to process inner states that are difficult to express in words, quiet moments, emotional depth, the invisible weight of experience. It’s a space where vulnerability and strength coexist without contradiction. Each piece I create is a dialogue between what is seen and what is felt. For me, drawing is not just a craft - it’s a way of slowing down, of connecting with others on a deeply human level. It gives meaning, not just to what I do, but to how I see the world.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“My favourite artwork is The Gaze of Time. It holds a special place for me because it represents a turning point in my artistic voice, where emotional depth, precision, and silence come together in perfect balance. The piece was created using only one charcoal pencil, and yet it carries layers of presence and memory. The gaze of the portrayed figure speaks of a life lived, without words, without drama, just quiet strength and profound human experience. It’s a work that challenges me not only as an artist, but also as a person. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of why I draw in the first place: to connect, to witness, to listen beyond the surface.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Yes, I’ve been fortunate to present my work in several international exhibitions that I consider particularly meaningful. Notable exhibitions include: Art Expo New York (April 2025) Anda Kulova Gallery, Dubai (March 2025) Casa del Arte, Palma de Mallorca, Spain (April 2025) Nicoletta Gallery, Berlin, Germany (June 2025) Thompson Gallery, Zug, Switzerland (March 2025) Art for a Good Reason, curated exhibition with a social focus (2024) Grenada/Caribbean – Art Bar Gallery (April 2025) Cassoulet Gallery, international group exhibition (2024). Each of these exhibitions has offered a unique opportunity to connect with diverse audiences across cultures, and I’m deeply grateful to see how emotional realism can resonate across borders. Links and visuals from these shows are available upon request or via my portfolio.”
Website: artjanisbaer.com
Instagram: @artjanisbaer
