6 Questions to Jens Kothe

German artist, living and working in Bochum and Düsseldorf.

What is your art about?

My work examines the „bodyness“ and sensuality of materials and objects from daily life like easy fabrics, tiles, glass and wood. I also examine my environment, objects or bodies by taking photos, modelling with clay or taking moulds from body parts. What I also try to document with photography is atmosphere. My objects work like pictures but mainly as „persons opposite“. The objects creates a physical presence in the room and so the aspect of atmosphere becomes relevant again. With all presence, the objects are also fragment like structures that arrouses tension. Tension between the observers eyes, that strives for entirety, and the picture he is confronted with.

What is fertiliser for your work?

To spend time in my studio – just the work and I !

Also interesting talks, pictures, travels, people, exhibitions…

What I also need is a mixture of  excitement, peace, anticipation and a good espresso!

Who or what has recently impressed you?

My son and his  friends!

They are around three years old now and it is amazing how deep they get into their fantasy world and  how intense they  discover everything.

Have a beer with an artist of your choice? Whom?

The most excited encounters to a beer are actually the unintended ones!

What would you do with five euro found in the streets?

Last time I have found money on the street, I just pocketed it!

I think, next time I will do so too!

What can managers learn from artists? 

Responsibility – the artist is responsibel for everything in his work personal  – all the time. His work is his profession in terms of a deep conviction.

Authenticity – the artist has to stick to his convictions, ideas and instincts.

Wall object XI.III, 2017

cushion textile/ cotton glass, glassprint wood construction vincjet print

148/ 118/ 9 cm  – 58.27/ 46.46/ 3.5 in

O.T. / wall object XIV.II.b 2017

cushion fabric foam wood construction nails

180/ 144/ 8 cm 70.87/ 56.69/ 3.51 in

bodydetail

incjet print

16,5/ 25 cm 6.5/ 9.84 in