I’m a self-taught textile artist with a degree in German literature and experience working in translation as well as in journalism before moving into art.
Growing up in a country far far away from actual important happenings of the art world and watching it from the outside is the reason my practice exists the way it is. No formal art education means no rules to follow, no guidance, no taboos to avoid. Instead of it being an insecurity, I choose to make it my strength.
I grew up on a mix of television, movies, comics, video games, literature; and that built my sensibility. My carpets, handmade in wool, and exploring pop culture in general as well as dreams and visions, strike by the tension between their often apparent comical motifs and the actual hard, patient work that is needed to produce them. The nostalgia and feeling of comfort that these carpets evoke, as well as the tactile aspect of them in connection with the slight eeriness of what they portray is a constant source of inspiration for my works.
With Laufer Gallery from Zürich, I have participated in Bienvenue ArtFair in Paris, had a solo show in Zürich, and a solo in Belgrade, Serbia.
Recent shows include: group show at Galerie Fran Reus in Palma, Mallorca; online show at The Curators, Paris/NY; group show at BIEN Textile Art Biennale in Kranj, Slovenia.
In my artistic journey, I've embraced the freedom that comes with self-discovery and experimentation, liberated from the constraints of formal art education. Instead of viewing this as a barrier, I'm continuously working on making it my greatest asset, allowing it to shape my creative process.
At the core of my exploration lies nostalgia—an intricate theme where memory intertwines with comfort and discomfort. Through my work, I want to evoke a sense of longing, drawing upon symbols of innocence and whimsy juxtaposed with hints of the grotesque. This juxtaposition serves as a gateway into the complexities of human experience.
Exploring the intersections of pop culture, dreams, and visions, my carpets become portals to alternate worlds—familiar yet surreal. They evoke nostalgia and comfort while hinting at an underlying eeriness beneath the surface.
Carpets are great canvases for nostalgia. Through my work, they also provoke thought, stir emotions, and ignite curiosity. Each piece is supposed to be a testament to the many possibilities that emerge when one embraces the freedom to create without following the rules of the medium.
I’d like to dedicate my time at the residency to the creation of a unique tufted artwork, drawing inspiration from the island’s volcanic landscape and colors.
I aim to establish a collaborative environment by setting up a tufting frame accessible to fellow artists, staff, and casual passersby. This participatory project invites contributors to add their touch to the evolving tapestry by filling out a part of the artwork I’m working on. Or they can just watch me work and have a conversation.
This way, everyone comes in contact with the wool and the process, one of the most intricate parts of creating textile art. Decisions made by other people will have an effect not only on the final artwork but on my decision-making as well.
The goal is to complete a collective tapestry by the residency’s conclusion, leaving a tangible legacy of shared creativity and new acquaintances introduced to the art of tufting.
