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Jochen Mühlenbrink, born 1980, is a German artist. He studied at the renowned Kunstakademie Düsseldorf and graduated in 2007 as a master student of Markus Lüpertz. Known for his Trompe-l’œil technique, Mühlenbrink leans on theories of hyper-realism to investigate reality within the aesthetic principles of modernist painting and classical art. Exhibiting internationally since 2007, he has held numerous solo shows across Europe, in North America and Asia. Jochen Mühlenbrink is represented by ASPN, Leipzig, Galerie Thomas Fuchs, Stuttgart, Gerhard Hofland, Amsterdam, Gether Contemporary, Copenhagen and Long Story Short, NYC.
Text courtesy of 24h Drop.
Hi Jochen! Thank you for sitting down with me. First question that I always ask. How does a regular day look like for you in….?
Jochen: Hi, sure! The word regular doesn’t really fit to any of my days. They are always different.
Alright, so growing up in Freiburg, What kind of kid were you, what did you enjoy doing and how did you spend your time?
Jochen: My youth was a mix of sunshine and shadow. I was lucky and most things just came naturally to me. I excelled in various activities without much effort. But still, I always felt a strong pull towards a darker, more introspective side. I was reserved, observant, and drawn more to individuals with an edgy touch rather than outgoing achievers. Despite an early sense of social justice, I felt more comfortable one-on-one than in larger groups and never quite found my clique. This awareness took on a rebellious tone at times, but mostly, it reflected inward rather than outward.
Alright, so when did you start to paint, and when did you start taking being an artist seriously?
Jochen: I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. Also my grandfather, Paul Gräb, was a great friend to many artists and his admiration for them surely had a strong influence on me. It enchanted me as a child and there never truly was an alternative.
Forgive me if I’m wrong, but going through your catalog of work, it seems that your style begins to change around 2016-2017, to your current signature style that you have now. What made you change your style?
Jochen: My artistic journey is an ongoing, never-ending exploration. If I were to pinpoint moments, 2003 stands out as a key period in discovering and shaping my motifs. Another significant shift occurred around 2010 when I found interest in the unassuming reverse side of the canvas, delving into the worlds of tape (TP) and Trompe-l’œil. Then, in 2017, the theme of fogged window paintings (WP) emerged, introducing a whole new dimension to my art – the realm of condensation, the “in-between” that exists between the scene and the observer. As I look back over this seven-year cycle, let me share a forecast: 2024 is poised to be the year of my mirror paintings (MP), a term that holds both literal and metaphorical significance.
With that in mind, what is it about steam on wet windows and mirrors that resonates so well with you? And what are you hoping to convey?
Jochen: I am amazed by the obviously visible world. But this actually connects me more with the invisible. So steam or fog is just the medium at this time I use to show my fascination for the act of seeing.
Can you walk me through your creative process. From beginning, to end result?
Jochen: I let my instinct guide me. The materials I choose, especially spray paint, shape the organic process that is kind of unpredictable. I’m navigating through fog, literally. Eventually I shift back to the more traditional oil paint, still relying on my intuition. Its immensely satisfying witnessing my idea materialize into a piece of art. Seeing the finished work holds a special place.
With that in mind, how do you deal with creative blocks?
Jochen: Blockades? They’re illusions. How do I deal with them? I embrace them as part of the creative process. When there’s a shadow, there must also be abundant light. I transform blockades into a colorful interplay of light, shadows, and illusions.
How do you approach color?
Jochen: Pure Intuition. It’s more about feeling than following strict rules. While I approach colors with intention, they transform into subconscious emotions when on the palette.Taking a look at my work throughout the years, you will also find that I have my phases. Just lately I was feeling very blue.
Your work has been exhibited all over the world. Do you ever get nervous or do you have any kind of rituals before shows?
Jochen: Oh yes. I get stage fright like crazy before every show, as if it’s my first. And no, I don’t have any rituals before shows, but then again, I’m not a performance artist, my work happens in the studio, in solitude, and I have my secret rituals there.
What motivates you?
Jochen: Life.
How would you describe a perfect day?
Jochen: I can’t say that before the day itself.
Profile picture: Callum Crawford