Interview
Naleni Studios
Naleni Studios bridges the gap between the structural power of sculpture and the vibrant energy of painting. Under the motto "Rebel with Color," the Essen-based artist creates haptic originals using paint, clay, and natural materials a bold statement for metamorphosis and living texture.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey in the art world is rooted in a lifelong passion for creating. Ever since I was a child, I have been painting and crafting sculptures, exploring the boundaries of my imagination. While these expressions were private for a long time, the last few months marked a significant turning point: the birth of Naleni Studios. This was the moment I decided to share my vision with the world. My background as a self-taught artist allows me to approach both sculpture and painting with a fresh, unconventional perspective. I see every piece as a bridge between the haptic world of three-dimensional forms and the vibrant energy of color, driven by a deep, intuitive need to create.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“Yes, my work is deeply rooted in social and personal commentary, particularly from a feminist perspective. Through Naleni Studios, I aim to challenge the ways in which women are often perceived and degraded in society. For instance, my self-portrait 'Bewusstsein' is a rebellion against being minimized or seen as just a 'quiet little girl.' It is a demand to be recognized as a woman with power and presence. My sculptures, such as 'Ungesehen,' delve into complex emotional structures like father complexes and the invisible weight we carry. My art aims to give a voice to these internal struggles and to break the silence on how women are often underestimated. It is about visibility, strength, and the transition from being overlooked to being undeniably present.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“While I usually start with a rough vision or a few sketches, my creative process is predominantly driven by intuition and improvisation. I don’t follow a rigid plan; instead, I allow the artwork to evolve naturally during the process of painting or sculpting. Often, the work transforms into something completely different than what I originally intended and it is exactly these unexpected shifts that I find most rewarding. I love the dialogue between myself and the material. For me, the true essence of a piece is born in the 'doing,' where the process itself guides the final result to a place that is often much more powerful than any initial idea.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“To be honest, I don’t follow any specific art world trends and that applies to all areas of my life. I’ve never been interested in following the crowd, whether in beauty, lifestyle, or art. My work is driven by my own internal world rather than external movements. However, I feel a very deep, personal connection to Frida Kahlo. Like her, I use art to process my own life experiences and traumas. I admire her rebellious spirit, her focus on self-portraiture, and her pioneering feminist approach. She was a woman who refused to be silenced or minimized, and that is exactly the energy I bring to Naleni Studios. My 'trends' are authenticity and raw emotion, not whatever happens to be popular at the moment.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I work primarily in Mixed Media because I refuse to be confined to a single material or technique. My creative spirit is restless; I crave variety and change to keep my vision alive. This is why I bridge the gap between sculpture and painting I simply get bored with the conventional. In my process, I use everything that serves my vision: from traditional paints and clay to unconventional elements like real snakeskin, preserved insects, or modified canvases. I have no fear of being 'strange' or crossing boundaries. I am not interested in painting something 'pretty' or generic that you could find in a discount shop. For me, art must have texture, depth, and a soul. I use my hands and whatever materials are necessary to bring my internal world to life. There are no rules in my studio, only the manifestation of my vision.”
What does your art mean to you?
“For me, art is the ultimate form of self-expression and the only thing in my life that has never become boring. Throughout my life, I have taken many different professional paths, always searching for 'the one' thing, only to realize that art was my constant companion all along. Even after a long day of work, it was the one thing I looked forward to. My passion for creating whether painting or crafting with my children has been with me since childhood. Because I am a naturally restless person who loves to do many things at once, art is the perfect outlet for my energy. The variety between sculpture and painting provides the constant change I need. It gives me deep, genuine joy and allows me to process my drive and my visions into something tangible. Art isn't just what I do, it’s where my passion finally found its home.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“It is incredibly difficult to choose just one, as I feel a profound soul-connection to all my works. However, three pieces stand out. My sculpture 'Ungesehen' is very important to me as it processes the universal yet deeply personal theme of father complexes a reflection of my own experience growing up without a father. Then there is my self-portrait, which represents my journey to be seen as a strong, sovereign woman, rebelling against being minimized as a 'little girl' just because of my high voice or lively nature. But if I had to pick the one closest to my heart, it would be 'Hingabe' (Devotion). It was my first sculpture and it symbolizes my deep bond with nature. It shows a figure surrendering to the natural world, letting the earth take over. Nature has always been the place where I can breathe and find my ground. I love this piece so much that I can hardly imagine ever parting with it.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“As I have officially launched Naleni Studios only three months ago, I haven't hosted a solo exhibition yet. This current period is a time of intense creation and focus for me, as I am building my first cohesive body of work. While my journey in the public art world is just beginning, I am already looking forward to sharing my visions in a gallery setting in the near future.”
