Interview
Margarita Hanke
Margarita Hanke (also known as Margarita Vivas Hadgialy / Marbeth) was born in the picturesque Venezuelan Andes and spent her youth in various countries across North, Central, and South America. These diverse experiences shaped her understanding of art, culture, light, and color. Margarita had her first exhibition at the age of 8, showcasing her early passion for painting. She received her high school diploma (Abitur) in San Cristóbal, Venezuela. She finished her architecture studies in the USA (NYU), Venezuela (UNET), and Germany. Margarita has her diploma: Ing. Architektur. She continued her diplomatic studies at Georgetown University, Washington, DC Attaché roles in New York, Bonn, and Frankfurt am Main. Her works are abstract (prints, acrylic), naturalistic: (acrylic, oil, drawing), portrait (drawing, acrylic, oil, pastel), architectural painting (prints, acrylic, drawing) and sculptures. Margarita has exhibited her works in many group and solo exhibitions and she has received many awards for her work. She is an Artavita Finalist in 2024. She has been a lecturer at the Volkshochschule (VHS) since 1998.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’ve had a love for painting since I was a very little girl. Even as a child, I found joy in expressing myself through colors and sketches. Art was a natural part of my life as I grew up in Venezuela, and by the time I was eight, I was already exploring different techniques on my own. My passion continued to evolve over the years, and in the 1970s, at the age of 8, I began to take part in formal exhibitions and artistic events. From there, my artistic journey led me to private lessons with various artists and later, formal training during my architecture studies at New York University (NYU) theUniversidad Nacional Experimental del Táchira (UNET), the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences and the Technische Universität Darmstadt. This passion even led me to attend the Städel School for Fine Arts in Frankfurt am Main in 1994, where I further honed my craft.”
What inspires you?
“My inspiration comes from many sources: nature, emotions, cultural experiences, and the places I have lived and traveled throughout my lifetime. The beauty of flowers, landscapes, and animals have shaped and inspired my work. Additionally, the emotions I experience as a mother, wife, artist, musician and individual all flow into my art, offering personal insights that I hope people connect with. I am also deeply inspired by color and the vibrancy it brings to life and the creative human mind.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The central theme in my work is the celebration of life, color, and the beauty that surrounds us everyday. I strive to capture the energy of the natural world and of human experiences, hoping to evoke a sense of joy and introspection in my audience. Another underlying message in my art is the importance of embracing diversity and the uniqueness of every individual and element. Whether through abstract forms or more realistic portraits, my goal is always to create something that resonates emotionally with the viewer.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as a blend of abstract and naturalist styles, rich in color and form. I often work with acrylics, oils, pastels, and charcoal, depending on the theme or feeling I want to convey. My background in architecture gives my pieces a sense of structure, but I also love to explore fluidity and spontaneity, especially in my more abstract works. There’s always a balance between freedom and order in my art, a reflection of how I see the world.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I have a deep admiration for a wide range of artists and movements. I love the elegance and symbolism of Gustav Klimt, the vibrancy and light of Monet and the Impressionists, as well as the structured beauty of Bauhaus design. Of course, I’m also inspired by Picasso and his revolutionary exploration of form through Cubism, and the fluid, nature-driven work of Georgia O'Keeffe. Carlos Cruz-Diez's use of color and perception has greatly influenced my own love for vibrant hues. I also adore Spanish portraiture, post-modernist art, avant-garde movements, and everything that's new and forward-thinking in the art world. But also the great ones like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Albrecht Dürer and those I can reach in my mind througt the creation of one painting.”
“There’s always a balance between freedom and order in my art, a reflection of how I see the world.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is a blend of intuition and planning. I usually start with a general concept or emotion that I want to express, often inspired by nature or a personal experience. From there, I sketch out ideas or play with different color combinations. I work in layers, building depth and texture as I go, sometimes allowing the painting to evolve spontaneously. Each piece is a journey, and I enjoy experimenting with different techniques along the way. I often find myself immersed in the process for hours, losing track of time as I create.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe an artist’s role in society is to inspire, provoke thought, and provide a mirror to the human experience. Art can be a powerful tool for reflection, healing, and connection. As the world continues to evolve, especially in our digital age, I see the role of artists becoming even more important. We can bridge gaps, offer new perspectives, and bring beauty to spaces that need it. Artists also play a key role in fostering community and dialogue, and I believe that will only grow as art becomes more accessible through technology. Oder I believe an artist’s role in society is to build bridges - between people, cultures, and different forms of art. Art is a way of reflecting and expressing emotions, ideas, and societal changes, but it also fosters connection and understanding. My own work spans both visual arts and music, as I’m also a cellist in the Orchestra of the Lankreismusikschule in Cham, Germany. This dual role has expanded my artistic perspective, allowing me to explore the emotional and narrative power that both sound and image hold. One of the most exciting collaborations I’ve had is when my painting ‘Calor’ became the cover for the new CD A Contratiempo Ensemble by Tolosa Hermanos. This project united my love for visual art with music, showing how different forms of art can blend to create richer experiences for audiences. I believe that interdisciplinary work like this is the future of art, and artists will continue to play an essential role in shaping cultural conversations through these evolving connections.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“One recent exhibition that stands out is ‘Eine Palette voller Farben,’ which took place in Chamerau. The vibrant works showcased in this exhibit were a celebration of color and form, and I’m excited for my next exhibition in Wasserschloss Loifling this November. Whenever I exhibit in a new city, I make a point to engage with the local community. For example, I love inviting primary school children to my exhibitions and holding workshop-art classes with them. It's a way to inspire the next generation of artists and share the joy of creating. I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my work in numerous exhibitions, both locally and internationally. One exhibition I’m particularly excited about is coming up this November at Patricia Cancelo Gallery in Barcelona, where three of my pieces will be on display. This exhibition is a great opportunity to connect with the vibrant art community in Spain.”
Website: margarita-hanke-art.com
Instagram: @margarita.hanke.art
