Doris Hinzen-Röhrig
Paintings
Doris Hinzen-Roehrig lives in Berlin
2006 Invitation by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bangkok, to the exhibition BallKunst, a Thai-German art project in the framework of the World Championship 2006
2005 Solo exhibition in Bogotá, Colombia, after an invitation by the Corporatión Horizontes Colombianos, Bogotá, in the framework of a German-Colombian artist exchange
2001-2004 Realization of interdisciplinary projects a.o. in the framework of the GleisWechsel artist group projects
1997 Pentiment - International Academy for Art and Design, Experimental Drawing (Dorothee Rocke), University College of Art, Hamburg Artist in Residence, Saarlaendisches Kuenstlerhaus, Saarbruecken
Since 1997 Participation in national and international competitions and art workshops
1995 Invitation by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bangkok, to the exhibition Paintings from Europe – 17 European artists
1988-98 Lives and works in Berlin and Thailand (Bangkok, Krabi)
1982-83 Lives and works in Salvador (BA), Brazil
Since 1973 Residence in several European and non-European countries (Latin America, USA, North Africa, Asia, Australia)
1974-76 Studied history of art and sociology, State University, Saarbruecken
1970-74 Studied with Prof. Oskar Holweck (“Grundlehre”), and graphic-design/diploma, University College of Art, Saarbruecken.
Earth Line, 2005/2006, mixed media on canvas, 100 x 100 cm
Familiar and Unfamiliar
On my journeys I often lived for a certain period in places where I felt an unexplained affinity or a feeling of “being at home”. I love to observe my environment, the everyday occurrences in particular. The countries in the southern hemisphere also provide a fascinating interplay of images, colors, sounds and scents. Living and working in a foreign country is a great way for me to further pursue my inclination to observe, but also to become an active participant in the daily life of the distant land. Learning and speaking the respective language helps to achieve bonds of friendships. Language has helped me open hearts, particularly during my long-time residence in Thailand. Language also helps develop sensitivity towards other cultures. Today, life and people in Thailand are very familiar and dear to me. I believe the initial experience of being a stranger among strangers in a foreign country or in a completely different culture is a significant life experience. It opens mental spaces that support deeper thinking about and reflection on the foreign as well as one’s own culture. At the same time, it changes the mindset towards “strangers” in one’s own country and leads to more openness and pleasure in the encounter with them.
The central themes in my work are nature and environment. My aim is to depict and balance the powers - as they are in nature and within ourselves - with the means of painting and collage. In semi-abstract style, spherical colour spaces are created, which might be observed by the viewer to be moving between the two spheres “heaven and earth”. Bringing nature and environment into balance is what I consider one of the most urgent tasks today in order to shape our living space for the good of future generations.
Coming Closer: The artistic as well as the interpersonal approach, the “crossover” between Berlin and Bangkok over a longer period, have given me valuable new insights into both the Thai and my own culture.
Doris Hinzen-Roehrig, December 2006
