Katharina Grosse

Welcome, art enthusiasts, to an exploration of the visionary world of Katharina Grosse, a creative force reshaping our perception of painting. As we dive into her thoughts and works, we'll discover how Grosse transcends the confines of traditional art forms, embarking on a daring journey that blurs the lines between painting and sculpture.

Katharina Grosse: It's truly captivating to challenge preconceived notions of painting. Beyond its formal aspects of volume and color, I'm intrigued by the interplay of painting within public spaces. My art isn't merely a surface; it's a dialogue with the environment. It's about layering delicate watercolors atop a rough and tactile surface, creating a paradoxical intimacy within a grand scale. My process is akin to thinking aloud, resulting in a voluminous entity floating within the surrounding landscape.

Our story begins with an encounter at Karma Gallery in the East Village. As I set foot into the gallery, I saw an opportunity to collaborate with nature itself—specifically the trees. These towering sentinels possess an iconic power that resonates deeply within me. They stand in regimental order, like solemn soldiers in a park. My vision was to introduce an element that seems like colossal driftwood—a forceful arrival that defies explanation yet claims its space.

The essence of these pieces lies in their enigmatic presence, provoking contemplation on the unseen forces that shape them. The juxtaposition of these structures amidst fragile trees speaks volumes. They provide a scale for my work to engage with the surroundings, lending a unique dynamic to the outdoor environment.

Crafting such monumental works requires a collaborative effort, especially evident in my project at MetroTech. Creating 18 pieces within a tight timeframe was a challenge, demanding a multi-skilled team. Collaborating with my brother, an engineer, marked a pivotal moment. His fusion of technical understanding and artistic sensibility breathed new life into my creative process.

Growing up, my parents kindled my artistic spirit by exposing me to a diverse array of creative experiences, from paintings to theater performances. My mother, a versatile artist, nurtured my nascent talent. She encouraged experimentation, be it painting a garage wall or creating a grand picture from the amalgamation of children's drawings. This familial support laid the foundation for my artistic journey.

My creative process defies traditional ideation. Rather, it's a dynamic thought-based flow. The initial conceptual agreement evolves as I engage with the materials, leading to an ever-evolving relationship. This thought process, fluid and malleable, mirrors the complexity of human perception and interaction with art.

My collaboration with Nasher Sculpture Center led me to create a piece that neither fully embraced sculpture nor traditional painting. By placing this entity in a unique context—a negative space coinciding with sweeping paint movements—I invite viewers to confront the dynamic tension between two artistic worlds. The fluidity of my work mirrors the ever-shifting nature of our perceptions.

The Kunsthaus in Graz, with its organic bubble-like architecture, provides the backdrop for my continued exploration. The challenge lies in melding painted canvas with vast space, ultimately creating a fluid composition that interacts with the environment. By crumpling and stretching canvas within this space, I intend to provoke contemplation on how we interact with the artwork itself.

Throughout my journey, ambiguity remains a steadfast companion. The conundrum of perceiving something familiar and yet recognizing its transformation mirrors the essence of my work. Raw, unadulterated colors merge with the human experience, much like the voice of a singer.

As we conclude our voyage, remember that art is a realm without borders, where painters and sculptors coexist harmoniously. My works stand as a testament to the interconnectedness of the artistic spirit and the world it seeks to explore. Until our paths cross again, keep venturing into the uncharted territories of creativity.