Josephine Rothäuser : A Conflict of Harmony

While being a student herself, she inspires others with her paintings. Josephine Rothäuser is currently studying fine arts under the guidance of Valerie Favre. Her unique approach blends painting and photography to beautifully highlight contrasts such as struggle and intimacy. Josephine’s art creates an engaging space where opposites playfully interact, creating a harmonious conflict. The figures in her work, full of wildness and innocence, blend together in their framework, symbolizing a dance between tension and resolution.

SLEEK: What inspired you to pursue a career in fine arts?

Josephine Rothäuser: For many, it’s a kind of logical conclusion, as it’s something you’ve always been involved with. I actually started to study teaching arts, but quickly realized that I wanted to dive deeper into fine arts and focus solely on that, rather than combining it with teaching.

S: How has studying under Valerie Favre at UdK Berlin influenced your artistic style?

JR: I was in a different class before, and I think that always has an impact. Not only does it matter who your professor is, but also who you are surrounded by and who you discuss painting or art with. Exchange is certainly influential, but I’d say a lot comes from within yourself.

S: Can you tell us about significant experiences or moments that have shaped your approach to painting?

JR: I’d say there isn’t a specific moment or experience, as I see it more as a network of influences. It’s a big conglomerate of biography, experiences, and what one ultimately consumes and discusses, forming an archive in my mind. It’s more about this network than pinpointing a specific experience.

S: Your work focuses on the interplay of contrasts like struggle and intimacy. How do you navigate these themes in your art?

JR: It’s deeply rooted in the painting process itself, dealing with color and the phases that occur between the canvas construction and the moment you decide the painting is finished. It goes through many different phases, which can be very emotional because you experience highs and lows. This process is what makes painting significant for me.

S: How do you handle the tension between decision-making and spontaneity in your artistic process?

JR: Methods and approaches have crystallized, but I’m very intuitive regarding the structure of a painting. It’s more about intuitive form-finding, starting with charcoal drawings and then progressing step by step. I don’t have a fixed image in mind from the beginning; it develops over time. It’s quite spontaneous.

S: “Schwitzkasten (S.K)” is one of your notable works from 2023. Can you share the story behind this artwork?

JR: There isn’t really a narrative. I’m not trying to tell stories, and I know titles can sometimes lead in that direction. For me, a title usually comes afterward as a nice addition. While it can add a new layer, the work often revolves around a physical conflict. The composition and layers of the figures evolved significantly, making it fluid and mutable during the process.

S: Do you choose specific motifs and themes in advance?

JR: I think there is a general overarching theme, often involving something very intense. These elements merge and create hybrids of human and animal forms, blending physicality with struggle.

S:What emotions do you typically experience while creating your art, and how do these emotions influence the final outcome?

JR: Painting is a highly emotional process for me. I’m not sure how transparent that is in the final piece, as layers might be painted over multiple times. Sometimes, you develop a kind of blindness to your own work. It’s definitely an emotional process, and that is visible in the end result.

S: Can you describe a particularly memorable emotional experience you had while working on a painting?

JR:Frequently. One way this manifests is through intense frustration with my own work, leading to aggressive painting, which can sometimes be productive. Other times, you need to step away from your paining for days or even weeks, return to it, and reconnect with it. It’s a dialogue with yourself.

S: How do you see the evolution of your work in the coming years?

JR: Good question. I’m excited to continue developing my painting, but I also see myself expanding into other media. Sometimes, different ideas require different outputs, and I believe there are ideas that aren’t suited to painting alone. I’m looking forward to experimenting and expanding.

S: Are there new themes you would like to explore?

JR: I’ve been experimenting with video art for a while, focusing on small, artificial worlds. There’s definitely more to come in that area.

S: What message do you hope viewers take away from your art?

JR: A specific message is hard to pinpoint. I don’t believe in conveying a concrete message. I enjoy that viewers can interpret the art in their own way. It’s interesting how abstract elements are read, and I prefer not to impose a specific interpretation.

S: Last question: What advice would you give to aspiring artists just starting out?

JR: Take everything seriously, but also approach it with a certain level of lightness and humor. There are various ways to approach artistic work, and it’s challenging to give one specific piece of advice that fits all scenarios.

Find Josephine Rothäuser’s artwork here at SLEEK EDITIONS