Jochen Mühlenbrink
The force begins somewhere in the periphery of everyday perception, continues in the process of painting and hopefully ends up in something unknown again. WORDS BY JOCHEN MÜHLENBRINK @JOCHENMUEHLENBRINK DÜSSELDORF GERMANY
In my youth, I watched a film about Gerhard Richter, which left a lasting impression on me. I’m reminded of his profound statement “Ich denke nicht, ich male” (I don’t think, I paint). It felt clever and thought-provoking. As I grew older and got more involved in philosophical studies, I encountered René Descartes and his famous quote, “Je pense, donc je suis” (I think, therefore I am).
Over the years, this led to the development of my own quote, a sort of personal philosophy: “Je pense, je ne pense pas. J`M, donc je suis” (I think, I do not think, I “love“, therefore I am). It plays with my initials, the JM, which, when spoken in French, can also be interpreted as “J’aime,” adding an extra layer of complexity to the meaning. It reflects the dynamic interplay between thought emotion and existence, and in the end my own commitment and love that infuses my creative journey.
I think every child has a natural urge, to draw or scribble, even if it’s on the table, rather than on the paper. Every kid loves to paint or doodle in the fogged window pane, even if it disappears again. This playful joy of creating just never stopped with me or seriously got damaged. Lucky me, to say I can do, what I love, but to really have professionalized my passion, therefore I can’t stop to express my gratitude. To life itself, but also my friends, colleagues, collectors, supporters and my good working galleries.
During the past years, we all had to spent a lot of our time at home. It arose from a certain melancholy, that the window, a motive that intrigued me already for long, now seemed to grow to an even stronger significance to me. It became a direct symbol of imagination and communication, a way to transcend the general sense of helplessness when you can look but can’t necessarily take action, as if you’re trapped behind the glass. It’s a reflection of the complex feelings tied to these times of confinement and the desire for connection and freedom. Maybe like a poet composing an ode to the world.
The allure lies in the journey as a whole, where every phase contributes to the essence of the final piece. But, if I must choose, the completion and seeing the finished work holds a special place. Its immensely satisfying witnessing the idea materialize into a tangible piece of art, revealing nuances and depths I had never foreseen. This is followed by an almost overwhelming state of bliss, a pure happiness that occurs in the midst of profound exhaustion. In those moments there’s a sense of childlike magic. All these feelings of happiness bundled together then turn into a soothing silence, even if only for a short time.
My style and technique are ever-evolving, influenced by the cycle of work I’m currently engaged in, as well as the thoughts and interests that occupy my mind at a given time. There are no secrets, as my art is an open exploration of these evolving elements. However, if I were to share one secret, it would be the use of organic resin mixed into my oil paint. This natural element is challenging to control, but once you grasp its essence and truly understand it, it has the potential to develop the deepest darks and the most shiny, sparkling lights I’ve ever seen.
My style and technique are ever-evolving, influenced by the cycle of work I’m currently engaged in, as well as the thoughts and interests that occupy my mind at a given time. There are no secrets, as my art is an open exploration of these evolving elements. However, if I were to share one secret, it would be the use of organic resin mixed into my oil paint. This natural element is challenging to control, but once you grasp its essence and truly understand it, it has the potential to develop the deepest darks and the most shiny, sparkling lights I’ve ever seen.
The force begins somewhere in the periphery of everyday perception, continues in the process of painting and hopefully ends up in something unknown again, something I have never seen (this way) before. Moreover, I’m driven to connect with the recipient through my art, provoking thoughts and stirring emotions, as we explore the boundless possibilities of human imagination together. Actually I strive for nothing. And if so, I strive for passivity. There is a creative rage simmering inside me that I need to control and dont let it drive me.
Art? For me is a profound and multifaceted expression of the human experience. It’s a journey into the boundless realms of imagination and the uncharted territories of the mind. It’s a means of exploring the boundaries between reality and illusion, inviting viewers to look deeper, to think, to feel, and to reflect. A new language of emotions and a tool to share stories, provoke thoughts, and ultimately, a source of inspiration that transcends time and space.
