Interview: Andrea Kurtz
Luca Curci talks with Andrea Kurtz during FUTURE LANDSCAPES, second appointment of the 19th edition of VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Austria-based interdisciplinary artist Andrea Kurtz delves into her own emotions and those of individuals, encapsulating feelings, fears, desires, and, above all, (un)happiness. She expresses these sentiments through structural forms, capturing the emotional spectrum and rendering intense states, such as excitement, reluctance, anger, or devotion. In her work, the goal is to engage with the emotional world and intense states, giving them color, structure, direction & shape, making them tangible or even hearable. Currently, she is experimenting with a diverse array of materials to create different structures.

Haptics play an important role in the aesthetic experience, offering a tactile connection to the art. By employing relief-like forms, she leverages the viewer’s tactile perception, introducing additional depth and inviting a shift in perspective. Over time, her artworks have evolved beyond the confines of canvas, adopting sculptural forms. Lately, she has been incorporating a component of sound (by @grankowsky) for an auditory and more immersive experience – giving sound to emotion. Her art is not merely aesthetic; it serves as a personal journey of self-exploration and reflection. She aims to prompt viewers to rediscover themselves and engage with their own emotions. Her artistic vision seeks to transport observers into a multidimensional realm where emotions are not merely observed but also experienced (haptic or auditory). Through these components, she establishes a connection between the observer and the artwork, inviting them to be active participants rather than mere spectators.

Luca Curci – What is the trigger that leads you to paint?
Andrea Kurtz – What keeps me motivated is this inexplicable urge to create. My mind never stops working, and simple everyday things can spark imaginative stories. It’s a constant dialogue between the external world and my internal creative realm. Also witnessing the joy my artwork brings to people, the smiles it puts on their faces, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s this connection with people’s emotions and memories that fuels my motivation to keep expressing myself through my art. Moreover, the evolving art scene and the works of fellow artists continuously motivate me to push boundaries and explore new techniques. Learning from others and seeing different perspectives enriches my own artistic journey. There’s a vibrant energy in the artistic community that fuels my desire to experiment and grow as an artist.

LC – Which artists have somehow influenced your work?
AK – Dali’s surrealistic masterpieces challenge conventional perceptions, while Picasso’s innovative cubist approach revolutionized artistic representation. Their bold experimentation with form, color, and concept continues to influence not only my work but also the broader artistic landscape. Their visionary contributions serve as enduring reminders of the boundless possibilities of creativity and imagination. As I’ve been incorporating additional aesthetic elements into my recent works, including the nuanced interplay of light, I’ve found immense inspiration in the captivating artistry of Olafur Eliasson. His ability to seamlessly weave light, space, and perception ignites my creative fervour, propelling me towards new realms of artistic exploration. Eliasson’s mesmerizing installations evoke a sense of wonder and introspection, challenging viewers to reconsider their relationship with the environment and sensory experience. In his visionary approach, I discover a rich tapestry of inspiration, fueling my own quest to infuse my creations with depth, luminosity, and emotional resonance.

LC – What do you think about art on social media? Are they turning into the new
showcases of contemporary art?
AK – Social media has undoubtedly revolutionized the art world by providing artists with a global platform to showcase their works. These platforms facilitate an interactive dialogue about art, although challenges such as content saturation and the distortion of art value by likes persist. Nevertheless, social media plays a significant role as a showcase for contemporary art, with the future depending on innovations and platform engagement.

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
AK – In the future, I’m looking forward to taking my work to the next level – I hope to build on
my professional journey and reach for more. I know what I’m good at, and I want to turn my creativity into a career that feels just right—both artistically and personally. It’s all about making what I love to do a steady and successful gig. Specifically, I am focused on expanding my presence within the art community by participating in more exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. I’m especially passionate about expanding the reach of my art series “Shaping Emotions.” It’s a project close to my heart, and I’m determined to let its story resonate with a broader audience. In my illustrative endeavours, I aspire to embark on captivating projects and collaborate with intriguing brands. Towards the conclusion of the previous year, I was afforded the opportunity to craft a campaign for ÖBB (Austrian Railways) which was very exciting.

LC – Is there an unrealised or unrealisable project, even a crazy one, that you would like
to work on?
AK – Beside, like probably any artist, aspiring to showcase my art in renowned galleries or being invited to participate in fairs and similar events? There was a project with Red Bull Organics called #talentcomesnaturally, and I was supposed to participate as an artist, but it got cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Naturally, every artist aspires to showcase their work in renowned galleries, but I also find fulfilment in collaborating with advertising agencies or brands. Working with these entities provides unique opportunities to reach a wider audience and engage with diverse communities. Additionally, the collaborative nature of these projects often leads to innovative and dynamic outcomes
that challenge me creatively. It’s fulfilling to see my work come to life in the context of larger marketing campaigns, and I enjoy the collaborative process of bringing brand stories to fruition through visual expression – solving problems.

LC – Your last artistic production attracted us, has the artwork presented been created for
the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
AK – Regarding the artwork presented, it’s actually a revival from my preexisting body of work, a reinterpretation born out of necessity after the original piece encountered damage. Interestingly, this particular artwork holds a special place as one of the pioneers of its series, embodying the essence of my artistic journey from its earliest stages to the present. So, while it may have undergone a transformation, its essence remains deeply rooted in the creative genesis of my ongoing exploration and expression.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the
exhibition?
AK – I agree with your vision of art, and I find the theme of the exhibition quite compelling. I appreciate that the theme allows for a wide range of interpretations, offering artists the freedom to express their creative vision in diverse ways. I believe the openness and versatility of this theme will lead to a fascinating and inspiring exhibition.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
AK – The organization of your event has left a positive impression on me. The professionalism and attention to detail you’ve demonstrated are evident and undoubtedly contribute to an exceptional experience. It’s an honor to be part of such a well-coordinated and engaging event.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
AK – Expanding one’s visibility on an international scale is a strategic move for any artist seeking broader exposure and networking opportunities. Exhibitions such as those hosted by ITSLIQUID serve as invaluable platforms for precisely this purpose. Therefore, I would suggest collaboration with You. It is also well organized.