In Dreams: Emma Kohlmann

SLEEK: Why is the world the way it is and how do you deal with it?

EMMA KOHLMANN: I think of this Louise Bourgeois quote from the book The Spiral (2005): “The spiral is an attempt at controlling chaos. It has two directions. Where do you place yourself, at the periphery or at the vortex?” To tell you the truth, it’s really hard for me to just accept the realities that shape our society. It’s hard to imagine why the world is the way it is, why it constantly feels unstable. Sometimes, it’s as though life feels unimportant to the real problems that are unravelling in the world. Sometimes, making art feels superfluous to this. The only place where I feel at peace is when I am in my studio working. There is a barrier between me and whatever conflict that is going on when I am working, but I still feel the heaviness of it all as it penetrates my thoughts and psyche. Maybe it sounds corny, there is a sense of catharsis that occurs when art is being made. I think that’s how I manage to deal with it, even when I am on the edge of a nervous breakdown due to the conflicts that feel so
pressing.

S: I read in your pictures a fundamental freedom to allow every trace of a thought, every feeling of a moment. Against the backdrop of current political and social issues, they have gripped me’. What are you holding on to?

EK: I work from an intuitive sensibility, both when I feel moved to do so and when I can’t bring myself into a malleable mindset. I often feel as though it’s someone else who is painting for me. As if the ideas transferred through the mediums I use, were born in my dreams. I am just the messenger, trying to replicate memories or make impressions of what has been long gone. I strive to envision growth for myself and the collective. I want to be better, hopeful, and imaginative for the future. I think this kind of optimism is where emotions are born within my work.

S: You studied political philosophy. Does that help you understand the global social and political context?

EK: I have always been interested in learning new things, it’s a part of my nature that has never changed. As a young adult, I had a lot of questions I wanted to explore, and my college fostered this innate curiosity. But this moment in anyone’s life is such a volatile time of change and finding out who we want to be – I was trying to fully understand the complexities of political philosophy. As my art practice continues to evolve, it remains driven by the need to learn and the attempt to embrace knowledge. I don’t think it’s possible to make work that doesn’t place itself in politics, we exist within the realm of the political. Even though I don’t view my work as overtly political, just knowing these things informs it.

S: Do your pictures and works reflect what drives you as a young woman?

EK: I’m not sure what drives me. I think I’m working on being a good human.

S: Are questions more important to you than answers?

EK: Yes, I think objectively asking questions leads to more answers. Sometimes you don’t need an answer to get more clarity; just by asking the question, putting yourself out there and trying to figure it out on your own, is enough.

S: Art has a mission and a tremendous power. What does it mean to you?

EK: Art-making has a power that most people don’t realise. I think the ability to convey emotions and revelations through art is what differentiates people from being artists. The power is making it exist.

S: Equally important to you is the sense of community and community spirit. Isn’t this also an offer and a key to connecting and participating in change?

EK: Community is what keeps me motivated. I started my art career making zines as a way to stay connected to other artists. I think that was important for me because I wanted to reach out, but felt kind of shy. Making zines was easier for me to start-up a conversation with strangers. In other ways, I think working on projects with other artists or community members has been really rewarding. Learning how to collaborate with people has taught me alot about myself. My sister Charlotte and I started a press in 2020 called Mundus. It’s been really amazing to work with my sister, she is a writer and artist, and has a different skill set than I do. We both offer different things to our press. Part of Mundus is working on large-scale publications and group shows. It’s been fascinating to bring artists together from all walks of life. Part of our ethos is to have this inclusion in everything aspect of the work we put out.

As featured in SLEEK 73 – PASSION. Available in print and digital here.