Interview
Roswitha Heidrich
Roswitha’s work will be exhibited from December 2024 to January 2025 at the City Hall Achim, where she will be a part of a group exhibition (organised by Galerie Onil) FRIEDEN – gegen den Krieg! (PEACE – against war!). She will join another group exhibition in November 2024 at The Pice Gallery in Portugal and the prestigious ArtMUC 2024 end of October 2024 in Munich, organised by Galerie Helligkeit. She will have a solo exhibition in August 2024 at Ehmken Hoff / Dörverden.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“From an early age, I have been interested in art. In elementary school, I even won the “Audience Award” in art class. In later years, I somewhat lost sight of painting itself. However, regular visits to exhibitions or museums have always been a part of my life, as well as photography. I photographed for many years, but I missed the opportunity to create something with my hands. Thus, painting came back into my life. I have mainly developed my artistic abilities through self-learning, but I continue to take courses to further develop my skills. Since the beginning of 2023, I have been presenting my art in various exhibitions. A whole new and exciting world has opened up to me. By the fall of 2023, I was almost fully booked for 2024. While 2023 was marked by group exhibitions, I have my first solo exhibitions in 2024. There are also the first appointments for 2025. In 2025, I will be mainly presenting my art in other European countries.”
What inspires you?
“Travelling and other experiences, people, nature, everyday life; inspiration often strikes me in the midst of daily life. When I have an idea while on the go, I immediately jot it down in my notes on my smartphone - I have a special section for my ideas there. Or I take a photo if I see a great color combination.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“‘We are like books. Most people only see our cover, the minority read only the introduction, many people believe the critics. Few will know our content.’ These are the words of Émile Zola.
Similar to people, the various colors, layers, and levels in my works represent the uniqueness and depth of each individual. Every person is complex, and it is practically impossible to reach the deepest layers. We don’t know exactly, or can only roughly guess, what is going on inside another person. This theme has moved me for a long time and is now particularly expressed in my artworks. The individual layers and levels can only be guessed. We know they exist, but they are often not visible. Like people, feelings and thoughts are there, but not everyone can recognize them externally. This leads viewers to interpretations. When observing, we try to get to the core and understand what is happening inside, but ultimately we only scratch the surface. So, mostly, we are left to view and categorize the exterior.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is characterized by free forms and with an abstract art style, intense color fields, and dynamic brushstrokes. My art follows Abstract Expressionism, where individual signature and the intensity of artistic expression are foregrounded. Expressive brushstrokes, palette knife techniques, and a intensive color palette are prominent. In the style of Mark Rothko, known for his luminous color fields that have a strong emotional impact, I use color as the primary means of expression. The emphasis on surface and layering of colors also recalls Rothko’s approach. The intensity and focus on color as a medium to convey emotions and moods share a similar spirit with Rothko’s works. The expressive nature of the paintings, with their bold strokes and abstract forms, adds a dynamic and stimulating quality that can engage and inspire viewers. The focus on the visual impact of color combinations, textures, and compositions rather than the depiction of realistic scenes conveys each painting’s unique emotions and atmospheres, inviting a sensual journey where viewers are enveloped by vibrant and joyful colors that lift their mood and fill the space with positivity.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Mark Rothko, Flavia Birsan - a contemporary artist from Romania, and Gerhard Richter. I am a huge fan of non-figurative abstract expressionism.”
“My work is characterized by free forms and with an abstract art style, intense color fields, and dynamic brushstrokes.”
What is your creative process like?
“I have colours in my mind, I have a inner feeling and just start. I always start with a basic layer, which enhances all other layers. Then, I apply the next layers. Usually, my paintings consist of minimum 5 layers, sometimes with the help of other mediums.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists do have several roles in society. Of course, there is the cultural and historic role. Art always mirrors the era of its creation. Which leads to another role of artists. Artists reflect, comment on social and political issues, their art expresses the situation of the world. Of course the art world is a huge economic factor. One of my sayings is: There is no such thing than having enough art supplies. But of course, it is not only art supplies; galleries, art fairs, exhibitions and auctions are an integral part of our economy, such as tourism, gastronomy, fashion and of course the media, not only social media. For me personally the most important part is the positive enhancement of art on our private homes and public spaces. Our environment and its aesthetic quality contributes to our wellbeing, to our emotional balance. So art and creating art also has a therapeutic benefit. All roles have in common to create communication and dialogue.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I took part in an art event called KUNST.HAFEN.WALLE last November. It was a great experience, with lots of art loving visitors, lots of nice talks and an environment of appraisal. I’m going to take part at ArtMUC in Munich end of October 2024 with Galerie Helligkeit. This will be my most prestigious art exhibition to-date. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
Website: www.roswitha-heidrich.de
Instagram: @rohei.arts
