VITA

Johanna Schmotzle, a member of the WieArt group, lives and works as an independent artist in Heidelberg. Her preferred materials are diverse – ranging from acrylic paints, markers, and spray paint to more experimental substances like concrete, plaster, wood, and plastic. She uses the unique properties of these materials to create works that occupy space and transcend the boundaries of two-dimensionality.

Her childhood and youth were shaped by a deep engagement with figurative painting, drawing people and landscapes, as well as still lifes using a wide range of materials and techniques. During her architecture studies, she worked intensively with models, sketches, geometric drawings, and various materials. All these experiences have influenced her artistic practice and deepened her understanding of spatial structures and the complexity of compositions. Her current work reflects her desire to unite a passion for materiality, haptics, and color into a harmonious whole.

Johanna’s artworks exist at the intersection of painting and sculpture. Abstract paintings are arranged in a sculptural manner by fixing them to a base and transforming them into three-dimensional objects. This form of object art emphasizes the interplay between color and structure and invites viewers to experience the pieces from different angles and to engage with their spatial presence.

She draws inspiration primarily from the richness and beauty of nature, as well as everyday life. These impressions are reflected in her abstract compositions, which capture the moment while opening new perspectives on the relationship between material, form, and color.

„Creating abstract art is like life… you’re on a journey, but you never know where you’ll end up."

„Transforming abstract painting into sculptural, object-like forms has become the core of my artistic practice. The process often begins with a stretched canvas, which I perceive as the 'body' of the artwork. On this surface, I arrange and fix painted elements, shaped by folds and waves. This approach allows me to visually capture impressions and emotions, wrapping them around a structural foundation and creating layered works with both front and back. My background in architecture has shaped my understanding of spatial relationships and compositional complexity. I enjoy experimenting with light and shadow, which shift with the viewer’s perspective and bring the pieces to life through the interaction of color and movement. The aim is to translate personal experiences into multidimensional compositions while leaving space for individual interpretation.“