Interview: Jürgen Barnickel
Luca Curci talks with Jürgen Barnickel during VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2021 – 14TH EDITION, at Misericordia Archives.

Diversity is Jürgen Barnickel’s strength. With his pictures, which are often reminiscent of the New York spirit of the 60s, he deliberately moves away from classic photography with Pop Art. Due to apparent randomness, excerpts are selected and further processed in a targeted manner. It is the concept, the selection and the design that have a decisive influence on the work. A feeling for new colors and corresponding processing form consistently further developed the aesthetic basis for the expression.

Luca Curci – According to you, what makes a good photo? Which details do you focus on?
Jürgen Barnickel – A good photo must convey emotions, cast a spell over or inspire the viewer. The focus on certain details has to convey something to the artist in its expressiveness. An abstraction through the choice of a certain image section cannot be explained by words, as this represents the artistic point of view. My work often depends on special lighting, shadow effects and shaping in order to achieve a certain composition.

LC – When you take photos, are you usually inspired by the situation or do you find inspiration in yourself?
JB – The artistic inspiration usually arises from within, from the situation or environment. Often my work is a combination. It is a special moment that can arise at any time. This moment can be frozen through a photograph and shared with others. It also represents the curiosity to see something and try new things in a creative process.

LC – How important is the editing process in your work? How’s yours?
JB – The basic requirement in every respect is your own photo, perfect for the artist, which already defines every detail of the composition. The power of abstraction is also used here. Only then does the digital processing process begin in my work. The process that leads to digital Pop Art is to be understood as artistic, creative work. This is similar to painting, but with light, processed contrasts and a different color scheme.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
JB – As a photographer, I follow a constant line that represents the classic handwriting of the artist, especially in the artistic work of digital pop art.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it your medium of expression?
JB – For me, art represents a kind of attitude towards beautiful things.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
JB – The pictures shown represent some of my current works that I have selected for the exhibition theme. For example, the picture “Overdose” shows a feeling of freedom and infinite expansion that can lead the viewer to new horizons. It is based on an abstract-looking photograph that is deliberately depicted as non-representational. Seemingly at random, a detail was selected here and later further processed with new colors and contrasts through targeted image processing in order to transfer the original photo into the world of Pop Art.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
JB – The concept of the exhibition seems to be well thought out. I see a great opportunity to bring Pop Art into a spectacular setting.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
JB – It shows itself to be a well-functioning international platform with a large community.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
JB – The organization of the event is very professional.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
JB – For me, good cooperation has already been shown several times.