Anne Wölk
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AQ Volume IV artist Anne Wölk was born in Jena, Germany, and earned her MFA in Studio Art and Painting from the School of Art and Design Berlin in 2009. She is renowned for her figurative paintings, which explore themes such as interstellar dust, starscapes, and planetary systems, evoking a sense of embarking on a cosmic journey through imaginary worlds. Influenced by artists like Vija Celmins, Wölk combines techniques of the old masters with modern technologies, blending Romanticism and Photorealism. Her work challenges traditional landscape painting through conceptual representations of light and digital aesthetics.
Wölk has exhibited her work internationally at galleries and art fairs, including the Swab Art Fair Barcelona, Viennafair, KIAF Seoul, and Art Innsbruck. Her pieces are part of several museum collections, and she has exhibited alongside renowned artists such as Robert Rauschenberg and Cindy Sherman, demonstrating her international recognition.
In 2021, Wölk had her first institutional solo exhibition, Questions for Heaven, at the CICA Art Museum in South Korea. In 2024, her solo show, The Island of Stars We Call Home, was held at the Museum Casa Cultura Ericeira in Portugal. In October 2013, she won the Category Award for the ArtPrize competition Art Takes Paris, judged by directors from The Andy Warhol Museum in New York, the Lisson Gallery, and the Marianne Boesky Gallery. Wölk was awarded the National Scholarship award from Stiftung Kunstfonds, Bonn, Germany, in 2022.
Anne Wölk currently lives and works in Berlin.
https://annewoelk.com
What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?
As a teenager, I was captivated by deep blue hues and strong light-dark color contrasts. I enjoyed intricate drawing and spent countless hours blending and harmonizing colors. I especially loved the art of blending. I regularly showcased my work to local artists and attended evening classes in painting and other artistic subjects for several years. At 16, I decided to focus solely on painting and art, and I applied to an art school named Burg Giebichstein with my portfolio. The immediate success of my first application solidified my unwavering belief in my chosen career path.
Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?
Our solar system is about 25,000 light-years from the center of the Milky Way, on the edge of one of its spiral arms. Scientists believe our galaxy, the Milky Way, has four spiral arms. Our sun and its eight planets are situated in one of them, the Orion arm. This means we are looking towards the galaxy's center from a position on the outskirts.
Due to the immense size of our galaxy, neither a probe nor a spacecraft could swiftly travel around it. For humanity to journey to other star systems, substantial technological advancements and a significant increase in knowledge are essential. Until then, we are essentially in a holding pattern, only able to observe.
The Bus Shelter at the End of the Galaxy art series blends past generations' futuristic visions with today's digital imagery. Since we can only travel for a relatively short distance, I am attempting to artistically convey the state of anticipation for the technological breakthrough needed to enable interstellar travel by remixing materials from science fiction sources. Additionally, I combine film stills from the science fiction genre with photographs from space telescopes.
What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?
My painting style demands extensive time and focus, and I often feel challenged to generate sufficient new work. As a result, I produce numerous small-format paintings to maintain a regular pace. This keeps me driven, especially since creating larger works can take months.
What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?
Every day in the studio, I feel the drive for further development. I work on various projects involving different painted objects intended to come together to form a complete work of art. These projects are not typical art installations but miniature worlds encapsulated in art. Next to experimentation with triangular and hexagonal image formats, I seek to bring these visions to life.
Do you have any start or stop rituals before creating?
When I step into the studio, I embrace the quiet moments to organize my coloring templates. Working on multiple canvases simultaneously, I tackle the most challenging detail, drawing on intense concentration. Once I find my rhythm, I delicately brush over the entire format, harmonizing image elements into the composition. As my painting takes shape, I immerse myself in the world of French and English audiobooks and podcasts, fueling my creativity as I work.
What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?
My art inspires you to expand your thoughts beyond the horizon, often seen as a limit. I depict imaginative starry landscapes where reality and fantasy intertwine. The human mind has developed the exceptional capacity to travel through time—from the present to the past and into the future. This includes an innate desire to create and innovate and a remarkable ability to endure challenges. I greatly admire individuals who pursue their visions against all odds, such as the scientists behind the construction and launch of the James Webb telescope into space.
Share a mantra or favorite quote that keeps you going.
"I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul."
Soul Affirmation by Oprah Winfrey.
