Interview: Elke Hubmann-Kniely
Luca Curci talks with Elke Hubmann-Kniely during LONDON CONTEMPORARY International Art Fair at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space

Elke Hubmann – Kniely was born and grew up in Graz. She moved to Feldkirch (Austria) over 25 years ago where she lives now with her family. After an apprenticeship as a biochemist, she became interested in the topic of color in 1998 and completed various training courses to make her passion a profession. She has been developing color concepts for people and spaces for more than 20 years. At the beginning, her own artistic activity was the intuitive painting to comprehend color, in the truest sense of the word, with brushes, spatulas and hands. In intuitive painting, the painting process itself – and not the final picture is in the foreground. She was also educated as an art and creativity trainer. Artistic refinements of her techniques can also be found among the artists such as Josy Murer (CH), Agi Huber (A), Maria Gabriel (A), Annegret Poschlep (D), Elfriede Kotrba (A), Wolfgang Abfalter (A) and Thomas Lange (D). The non-representational and abstract painting is in the center of her work. The challenge to the viewer is to integrate his own imagination into the picture world. To bring the viewers own personality into the image, interpretation is a matter of concern to Elke Hubmann-Kniely. The colors are most important for her and their impact on the viewer is of paramount importance.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Elke Hubmann-Kniely – These happiness feelings, which I feel when painting I would like to transfer on the canvas
 
LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
EHK – After an apprenticeship as a biochemist, I became interested in  the topic of color in 1998 and I completed various training courses to make my passion a profession. At the beginning, my own artistic activity was the intuitive painting to comprehend color, in the truest sense of the word, with brushes, spatulas and hands. I was also educated as an art and creativity trainer. 
 
LC – Which is the role the artist plays in the society? And the contemporary art?
EHK – I only speak for my own… I want to communicate to the audience: See paintings not only as an investment, they should touch you! Paintings should invite you to take your time and immense yourself in them! Use your imagination and see what you like to see.
 

LC – Where do you find your inspiration? 
EHK – Inspiration: design and aesthetics in the environment, the love to experiment with colors and the pleasure and joy of painting in itself.
 
LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
EHK – Sometimes I start with a topic in my head, sometimes the topic arises during the painting process.
My goal is to develop my own handwriting in painting. I think this is the wish of every artist, isn’t it? But I don’t want to be trapped in a single style, I want to be always open for new types and experiments of painting.
  
LC – What do you think about the concept of this festival? In which way did it inspire you?
EHK – The choice of the artwork

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this exhibition? How is it connected to the theme of the entire festival?
EHK – London is a fancy and designed city, here you can live colorful. So “moody monkey” is fun, is happiness and is design.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
EHK – This is my first cooperation, so I have to see and wait…

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
EHK – Why not! Lets see and hope the best!!