curators corner: artist spotlight

edith jung

Edith Jungs work is to be seen as a creative exploration of internal worlds. The points of intersection between these internal and external worlds give rise to symbols of a magic, sacred character, ciphers that allow the viewer to sense and feel more than is actually expressed. They are archaic and yet timeless, a geometry of the spirit. On primed and specially prepared wooden panels, pigments are bonded to each other with glue; light, lucid pigment and glue compounds with a moist, glossy finish are juxtaposed with the rough plaster background. Large-scale areas are combined with smaller structures, with elements that appear like ciphers, almost like gestures. Lines are applied with a brush or are notched into the background with a pencil.

Traces of symbols are created from the application of layers of pigment. The colors have an atmospheric quality that allows one´s gaze to relax, as if looking far into the distance.

An important feature is the smooth movement of color sounds, shapes and bodies on the flat surface to create a three-dimensional illusion.

Born in Germany, Edith Jung studied at the State Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe and completed her studies with a scholarship from Baden-Württemberg Art Foundation. This was followed by a six- month-long guest stay as artist in residence at Villa Massimo, Rome. She has exhibited in galleries all across Germany and also in Switzerland, Italy and the United States and her work was shown at nameable art fairs like LA Art Show, Art Basel and Affordable Art Fair, Milano. Her artworks are collected internationally.

She lives and works as an artist in Karlsruhe.

-What are the primary concepts and focus of your art and How do these ideas relate to your medium, and creative process itself?

My works are to be seen as a creative exploration of internal worlds. The point of intersection between these internal and external worlds give rise to symbols of a magic, sacred character, they are archaic and yet timeless, a geometry of the spirit. My artworks are executed in a technique which I developed myself. On primed and specially prepared wooden panels, pigments are bonded to each other with glue; light, lucid pigment and glue compounds with a moist, glossy finish are juxtaposed with the rough plaster background. Large-scale areas are combined with smaller structures, with elements that appear like ciphers, almost like gestures. Lines are applied with a brush or are notched into the background with a pencil. Traces of symbols are created from the application of layers of pigment. An important feature is the smooth movement of color sounds, shapes and bodies on the flat surface to create a three-dimensional illusion.

-Which artists are you inspired and influenced by?

My work is influenced by the Spanish artist Antoni Tàpies and by the artist Cy Twombly. A great inspiration for me is also the ancient Egyptian culture.

Which of your works stands out as a highlight, a favorite, or a significant point in your creative growth and development? and why?
There is no special work that stands out as a highlight. All of my artworks took me a long time of work and they are the result of years of experience with different forms a nd techniques. I exhibit only the best of them

What memorable reactions have you had to your work?

As a young artist, after my completed studies at the State Academy of Fine Arts Karlsruhe I received a Scholarship from

Baden-Württemberg Art Foundation and this was followed by a six-month-long guest stay as artist in residence at the Villa Massimo, Rome. In the meantime my artworks are exhibited and collected internationally. It is memorable for me, when I can see that especially younger people contemplate my work for sometimes a very, very long time.

What advice would you give to your younger or older self?

Don`t give up, always go ahead.