"Lonesome Traveler"
This work, "Lonesome Traveler," is a tribute to the Beat Generation. Their wild, unbreakable urge to live free, to chase the open road, to howl at the stars, changed the world forever. Sure, not everything on their journey was sunshine and flowers—Kerouac, Cassady, Burroughs, they all had their shadows, dark and deep. But it was their love of life, that unrelenting beat of the heart, and in Kerouac's case, a love for the raw beauty of nature, wrapped in that burning desire for freedom, that lit the fire for their generation and the ones that came after. So, here’s to Kerouac, here’s to Ginsberg, here’s to Burroughs, and hell, here’s to Cassady, too - you son of a gun.
"The Fragrance Essence"
With this work I send my thanks to Remo and Thomas for their work, their support and their inspiration.
"Return to Montauk"
Sometimes I dream of the place.
This is the first work of a black and white series to be announced soon.
"Volapück I"
Löf e Plid, sötöm beviäda!
"Volapück II"
Löf e Plid, sötöm beviäda!
"Azure Horizon"
The sky stretches out, endless and blue, a quiet path leading from here to forever. Azure Horizon, where the earth kisses the heavens in a gentle embrace, and the soul drifts, weightless. It's the silence between breaths, the space where thoughts fade and the heart just is.
"San Diego"
When I finished this work there was this immidiate an deep remembrance of a day in early spring in 1989. I was sitting in the back seat of a big Chevy listening to some R&B music through my walkman, dreaming. Palm trees passed, the ocean was there blue and inviting. Somehow the blues took over because I knew my time in California will come to an end soon. But it wasn't time yet! Finally we passed the town sign of San Diego. The rest was beach ... with a quick stop over in the desert at Edwards AFB for the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery.
"Five colors - name them"
This work was inspired by Bauhaus and is at the same time a tribute to the great spirits of the modernist movements of the twenties.
Not everything can be categorized as red, green, blue, yellow and so on. There are nuances. There are nuances that we cannot always name.
It's good that there are always nuances.
It's good that there are always new spirits.
The work itself is color transparencies in transmitted light exposure on a glass table.
"Summer"
Finally.
Summer.
That's why we add another orange to the Work of the Week section. Just to celebrate this wonderful summer feeling.
That's why this is a big one. Available as dye sublimation print as big as 94" x 29" or in cm 240 x 73. Big work. Big summer.
"Maya"
One day in the past I was heading for Holbox - an island in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, located on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. I drove the highway for hours but couldn't find the exit to Holbox. The reason was quite simple - there was no exit ... anymore. The exit to Holbox was bricked up by the police (that's another story). So I had to stay on the highway until I ended in Chichén Itzá. It was Christmas Eve. What can I say. I was so glad that it all happened just the way it did. Chichén Itzá is a magical place.
When I finished this work, I was reminded of this magic place, with it's magic people and the magic circumstances which lead me there.
"Orange County"
It is a matter of the correct question!
So, what is this? Is it an animation, is it CGI, is it AI? No. And the "no" starts with the questions itself. The correct question would be "what are these?". And the correct answer to that question then would be, "these are 8040 photos of a slice of an orange fruit and a tiny piece of red paper. The two objects were on a turntable and the 8040 photos have been taken over a period of 4 and a half minutes. All 8040 photos are then collected in a collage from left to right. So the works shows how the obeserved space changes over the period of 270 seconds. Or in other words, you see 270 seconds in one image". This doesn't sound sexy does it? Well it this is, sexy or not, the truth and the correct answer to the question "what are these?".
If I been asked what would be the best question when exploring this work, I'd suggest "what do you feel, when you dive into what you see?".
"Maggie"
In this work, I see a curtain drawn to reveal a stage, a stage where a play is about to unfold. This piece embodies the childlike wonder and joy I feel whenever I step into the theater.
Maggie is one of the first works with the new slit-scan setup in my atelier.
"Kingdom"
This week's "Work of the Week" was chosen by a dear customer. The piece is the result of a slit scan session with various fragrances. The scents featured in this work are "Joop," "Cartier," and "Davidoff," all put on a turntable for a slit scan session. I enjoyed this session immensely, not only because of the beautiful aroma that filled my studio all week, but also because of the vibrant colors of the fragrances and their bottles. Fragrance creators focus not only on the scent but also on the visual appeal of their products, including the color of the fragrance and the design of the bottle. This attention to detail makes my work much easier.
"Taos"
From the collection: „Visions of Santa Fe“
Week 19
"Power"
A few facts about the artwork “Power”. Volcanic activity shaped the seabed off the coast of Port Moniz, Madeira, thousands of years ago in such a way that this phenomenon can be observed under the right wind conditions. On December 28th, 2010, the day was mostly clear, with a strong and cold breeze blowing in from the north. These conditions set the stage for a trip to Port Moniz. Many attempts and much patience were necessary to capture this perfect moment with the cloud “on top of the surf”.
I am happy, that this work has found a home in Key Biscane Florida.
There are moments when the sheer beauty of nature moves us in ways we cannot fully express. When we open our hearts, the world around us transforms into a symphony of wonder. The delicate interplay of light and shadow, the vivid tapestry of colors, and the intricate details that often go unnoticed become profound sources of inspiration.
In these moments, a simple glance can stir the deepest emotions, and the quiet elegance of nature's artistry can bring tears to our eyes. It is a reminder of the profound connection we share with the world, a testament to the awe-inspiring power of the natural world to touch our souls.
As we immerse ourselves in this beauty, we find solace and joy. The experience transcends the ordinary, offering a glimpse into the sublime. Let this artwork be an invitation to pause, to open your heart, and to truly see the world around you. In doing so, may you discover the tears of gratitude and wonder that come from witnessing the exquisite beauty of nature.
Freedom is the gentle whisper of the wind through open fields, the boundless expanse of the sky at dawn. It is the untamed rhythm of waves crashing against the shore, the uncharted path of a bird in flight. In the heart of freedom lies the courage to dream, to wander without restraint, and to embrace the unknown with open arms.
Freedom is the silence of a solitary mountain peak, where the soul finds its true voice. It is the dance of fireflies in the twilight, a symphony of light and shadow, fleeting yet eternal. It is the canvas of life, where each stroke is unbound by fear, and every hue is a testament to the spirit’s resilience.
In the embrace of freedom, we discover our truest selves, unencumbered by the chains of convention. It is the spark that ignites the flames of creativity, the pulse that drives us toward new horizons. To be free is to live fully, to love deeply, and to walk boldly on the path of our own making.
Let this artwork be a beacon of that boundless spirit, a reminder that freedom is not just a state of being, but a way of seeing the world with endless possibilities.
This works invites you to embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead. This piece is a celebration of open-mindedness and the courage to explore uncharted territories. It whispers a message of hope and curiosity, urging you to step beyond the familiar and into the unknown.
Life is a journey filled with opportunities waiting to be discovered. By keeping an open mind and an open heart, we allow ourselves to see the beauty in the unexpected and the potential in every new experience. New Horizons is a reminder that each day offers a chance to grow, learn, and transform.
Let this artwork inspire you to break free from limitations and to approach life with a sense of wonder and excitement. Embrace the unknown, take risks, and seize the opportunities that come your way. The world is vast, and there is so much to explore. With an open heart and mind, every horizon becomes a gateway to new adventures and infinite possibilities.
"The Rose"
It embodies a touch of Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," a hint of Buddha's moment of contemplation upon the lotus flower, a whisper of the "Eagle Nebula," and a fragment of the sentiment "Nature is not a place to visit; it is home." In this essence, it could be akin to your next step outside your front door—a departure from home and yet an arrival at home simultaneously. Nature is a wondrous home, waiting to embrace you if you open your heart to it.
Nothing has captured my focus as much as this trip to the USA, where I am right now. With "The Link," I want to emphasize the importance of all my travels to the USA. The friends I have there, the people I meet, the random encounters, the conversations, the quiet moments, the business interactions, the nature, and the good vibes I feel most of the time have all brought me to this point in my life. And they have also shaped where I am right now with my art.
When you travel westbound from Europe to the USA, you cross the Atlantic Ocean. For all travelers, this ocean is "The Link." With this work, I want to celebrate all the good experiences I have had in the USA and all the great experiences I will have in the future.
This week's "Art Of The Week" shows a double feature, each piece intimately connected to Venice. These works will be displayed throughout April at La Biennale di Venezia 2024. The two pieces reflect my impressions from my first visit to Venice as a small boy. Both works are from my series RDCD - abstract photography,
RIALTO, with its precise lines and harmonious blend of subdued yet intense colors, captures the essence of the bustling marketplace and the grandeur of the Rialto Bridge. The interplay of light and shadow, reflected in the muted hues, evokes the timeless beauty and dynamic atmosphere that define this historic landmark. This work is a tribute to the bridge that has stood the test of time, much like my own memories that have remained vivid and cherished.
Similarly, San Marco brings to life the majestic splendor of St. Mark's Square. The clear lines and rich, yet restrained color palette encapsulate the elegance and grandeur of the Basilica and its surroundings. The intricate play of colors mirrors the intricate mosaics and architectural marvels that have fascinated visitors for centuries. Through this piece, I aim to convey the awe and wonder I felt as a young boy, standing in the shadow of such magnificence.
Both works are a confluence of past and present, where personal history intertwines with the timeless beauty of Venice. The subdued yet intense colors reflect the city's unique atmosphere, steeped in history and romance. These photographs are not just images; they are a heartfelt homage to a place that has shaped my artistic vision and continues to inspire me.
As you explore RIALTO and San Marco, may you be transported to the Venice of my memories—where every corner holds a story, and every color evokes a sense of wonder. These works are a testament to the enduring allure of Venice.
It could be...
It could very well be a photo of a planet and its atmosphere, or a star - light years away. And yet it is "just" a tulip right at your doorstep. Yes, it is just a super enlarged macro photo of a torch tulip in the morning sun after a thunderstorm.
It could very well be a photo of a planet and its atmosphere, or a star - light years away. And yet it is "just" a tulip right at your doorstep. Yes, it is just a super enlarged macro photo of a torch tulip in the morning sun after a thunderstorm.
In the quiet stillness of early morning, when the world holds its breath in anticipation of the dawn, there exists a moment suspended in time. It is within this delicate pause that the magic of "Nightflight to Venus" unfolds.
In a quaint garden, nestled amidst the ordinary, stands a solitary torch tulip, its petals aglow with the remnants of a passing storm. Through the lens of a camera, its essence is magnified, revealing a universe of detail unseen by the naked eye. Each delicate curve and vibrant hue tells a story of resilience and beauty.
As the morning sun caresses the earth with its golden fingers, the tulip becomes a beacon of hope, a symbol of life's enduring spirit. It dances in the gentle breeze, casting shadows that stretch like whispers across the ground.
But beyond the confines of the garden, beyond the boundaries of this small world, lies a vast expanse of possibility. To the untrained eye, "Nightflight to Venus" may seem like a distant galaxy, a starry haven in the depths of space. Yet, it is here, right at our doorstep, where its true wonder resides.
For in the heart of this humble tulip lies the essence of all things extraordinary. It is a reminder that beauty knows no bounds, that magic exists in the most unexpected of places. And as we gaze upon its magnificence, we are transported on a journey of wonder and awe.
So let us embrace the marvels that surround us, let us cherish the moments of quiet splendor that grace our lives. For in the simplest of things, in the smallest of moments, we may find the greatest treasures of all. And perhaps, just perhaps, we too can embark on our own "Nightflight to Venus," guided by the light of a single, radiant bloom.
After I took this photo, I wrote:
"Recently, a friend of mine asked 'why do you do what you do'. Just the day before, I had been working on the series 'The Color Codes' in the early morning sun. My response to her question was:
You ask why I do what I do. Because I love experiencing this: In the early hours of the morning, when most of the world is still asleep and the day unveils its first light, a tulip appears before my eyes. Freshly bathed in the rain shower, it gleams in the gentle morning sun like a jewel of the moment. Its delicate petals unfold gently, as if they embody the awakening of nature itself. The raindrops resting on them glisten like small diamonds brought to life by the sun. In this moment, I realize that this tulip is more than just a flower. It is a symbol of the magic that surrounds us and the beauty we can discover in the world.
As I gaze at the image, I feel the gentle touch of a morning kiss from Mother Nature on my skin. It's a kiss of love and awakening that carries me into the arms of the day. It's a kiss that reminds me how precious life is and how important it is to recognize the beauty in every moment.
The tulip stands majestically, as if it were winking at me and conveying a declaration of love from nature. In its simple existence, it brings joy and hope to my heart, and I can't help but be grateful to it for this precious moment.
May the tulip in its morning glory always remind us that love and beauty surround us, even in the seemingly insignificant moments of life."
Are we simply conscious of our surroundings, or does consciousness manifest through us, perhaps as a conduit for a greater universal consciousness? Is consciousness omnipresent, permeating everything, with all existence intertwined in its fabric? These are questions that have puzzled philosophers and thinkers for centuries, and perhaps there are no definitive answers.
What I do know is this: there are aspects of reality that lie beyond the grasp of human perception. Take, for example, slit-scan photography. It unveils a realm invisible to the naked eye, offering a unique perspective on time and space. Through the images captured by slit-scan techniques, we glimpse a reality that challenges our conventional understanding. It hints at the relativity of time and space, suggesting that our perception of these fundamental constructs may be limited by our human faculties.
In contemplating slit-scan works, we are confronted with the profound notion that reality is not always as it appears. It prompts us to question our perceptions and consider alternative viewpoints. Perhaps, in this distortion, we find a metaphor for the enigmatic nature of consciousness itself – elusive, multifaceted, and ever-evolving.
In essence, slit-scan photography serves as a portal to a realm where the boundaries between the seen and the unseen blur, inviting us to explore the depths of our consciousness and the mysteries of existence.
So young and already such a history. I created this work in 2023, but it already has a very eventful and moving story behind it. An award, 10.000 flight miles, a journey through three countries, a theft, and a sale. But let's start from the beginning.
When I had finished the piece and saw the first print in front of me, I immediately thought of Coney Island, my favorite place in New York City. The colors reminded me of Coney Island, a bit of Nathan's, a bit of Wonder Wheel, a bit of Parachute Jump, a bit of the huge "Coney Island" sign in the underpass, a bit of the Atlantic, and much more reminded me of Coney Island. I didn't know back then that the eventful history of Coney Island as the "Nickel Empire" and a workplace for crooks, including Al Capone, would play a role in the later life of the artwork.
So, the work had its name.
After that, things happened quickly. The artwork was awarded by ARTBOX.PROJECTS, Switzerland, and won a spot at the Spectrum/Red Dot Miami exhibition as part of Art Week Miami 2023. Then the following happened: the artwork exhibited in Miami (64cm x 36cm) was stolen by professional art thieves on the way back to Germany, and a second, much larger print (180 x 115cm) was sold in the USA. Was this the karma of Coney Island or just a coincidence? Regardless, I love this image very much and can lose myself and fall in love with it anew every day (an AP hangs in our living room).
With this work, I aim to draw attention to the often spoken phrase 'I see.' Sometimes, I think we use 'I see' a bit thoughtlessly, and it might be quite beneficial to pause for a moment whenever one says 'I see' and consciously consider the significance of what is being said.
Slit scan photography. Several thousand photos capture the change of space and time.
This is a very emotional work. Like always, when I start a new slit-scan work, I have only a vague idea of the result. What I certainly know is the emotional goal I want to target at. With this goal in mind, I first decide on the subjects on the turntable. In the finished work one might hardly see with the eyes, what had been placed on the turntable, but the heart might feel it. So, the subjects are the emotional link to the real world. The link between the ‘real’ world, and the ’space over time world’, which is nonetheless real, but invisible to our eyes. The next thing I do is to determine the position of the mirrors. The position of the mirrors is very important, because in the end, the mirrors envelop the subjects in a smooth wadding. Finally, I decide on the speed of the turntable with the subjects on it. Slower means less or no repeating forms and a more peaceful results, faster means more repeating forms and kind of more energy in the results. Beside the basic camera settings, where the aperture has a very important role, this is it. Then I start with taking the photos. The many thousand photos then go through the slit-scan developing process and only then I see what came out – depending on the project, sometimes many hours later.
Most of the times I am surprised of the results. But this one here touched me so much. It might not be as spectacular as others on the first glance, but its tender forms and colors always make me think of a dream like walk through a mirror cabinet and thus always calms me down, makes me quite and humble. And most of all, for me it is HOPE itself.
With a warm "Hello" to Berlin. Miss you now an then.
Paper, colors, photography.
First work in the New Year. Welcome 2024