Interview: Sven-Kristian Wolf Luca Curci talks with Sven-Kristian Wolf during FRAGMENTED IDENTITIES, the second appointment of BORDERS ART FAIR 2021, at THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space.

“Expressing the indescribable: Why should I show you things you can see in reality? What distinguishes my visualizations from others is their focus on emotions which words often fail to portray. I depict abstract feelings in specific scenes in order to enable the observer the possibility of forming a connection between the describable and the indescribable. I’m not interested in “How is it?”, but in “How does it feel?”

Concentrating on spiritual depth: Camera brands and technological advances mean nothing to me. I see the widespread constant lust for the newest equipment as a reason not to confront yourself with artistic growth. Art is a precious commodity. That’s why you will not find any of my works on Instagram.

Behind the scenes: Drama is an important but not the most important element of my work. My photo sequences are in some ways similar to a short play, whereby, as a photographer, I place objects or people on a stage, letting you, the audience, interpret the result.”

LC – What is art for you?
WS – I have the ability to describe complex feelings in images. That’s what I do.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
WS – I come from punk, new wave, and avant-garde. I’ve been playing electric bass until my ears broke down in 2016. This is when I bought my first camera.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
WS – I find my inspiration mostly in literature, psychology or music, and other people’s stupidity. I don’t orientate myself too much on other photographers. The artists I love are Caravaggio and Francis Bacon.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
WS – As I am a synesthete, the colors in my images have to fit exactly. This is why I also work in black and white.

LC – How do you choose your subjects? Is it a reasoned or an instinctive process?
WS – Both of them. I’m happy when I find a topic that fascinates me and finds resonance.

LC – Can you explain something about the artwork you have in our exhibition?
WS – The series is called „City of shadows“ and interprets quotes from Carl Gustav Jung. The technique I used was mainly ICM (intentional camera movement) where you shake the camera while shooting.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
WS – Oh, yes. Everyone was highly professional and very kind.