New Aesthetics on Tour
International Recognition of Dettmer's Work
For years, painter Jana Dettmer has delved deeply into the aesthetic, psychological, and philosophical significance of colour. Through her abstract works, she creates vibrant yet restrained spatial experiences that captivate both collectors and architects. Her exhibitions in cities like Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Lucca, and at ArtExpo New York have garnered significant attention. In conjunction with her New York exhibition, ArtForum Editions released a limited American edition of her book, The Power of Colour.
This September, Dettmer's "Square Project" will be presented at the Lavoir Vasserot, the historic washhouse of Saint-Tropez, located near her studio on the Côte d'Azur. This venue has previously hosted exhibitions by renowned artists such as Banksy and Stefan Szczesny.
Modular Mixtures – The Square Project
As part of her Modular Mixtures series, Jana Dettmer developed The Square Project, a work that explores the countless possibilities of colour in space and the external impact of architecture. This project distinguishes itself from traditional art installations by integrating the surrounding space as a fundamental element of the artwork. Dettmer tailors her installations to the character of each space by adjusting the size, number, arrangement, and colour composition of the squares, creating unique artworks that harmoniously blend with the architecture. The custom-made installations of The Square Project consider not only the spatial conditions but also the geographical location and the unique character of the building.
The Squaring of Diversity
The square plays a central role in the creative process of The Square Project and forms the foundation of Dettmer's concept for Modular Mixtures. With its two horizontal and two vertical lines, the square sets boundaries while simultaneously opening them. This format embodies her message: the courage to pursue new paths with determination and independence.
Captivating Moments of Clarity
Dettmer experiments with techniques, breaking her own rules while maintaining a dynamic and intuitive style. Her art often revolves around pure colour, with each piece functioning as an independent platform and space of illusion. Through reduction and condensation, she creates captivating moments that inspire clarity and introspection.
"My art is meant to inspire people to keep moving forward and to continue pursuing their ideas."
For Jana Dettmer, art is a medium that encourages self-reflection. Each of her works is conceived as a colour space—an energetically charged setting that invites viewers to immerse themselves and feel the power and energy of colour. Those who pause to observe the interaction of colours within the painting and the surrounding space may discover deeper self-awareness.
Making Each Colour Unique
Jana Dettmer combines individually crafted colour fields into intense colour compositions. She is fascinated by the impact of these individual colour fields, which are part of a strict order. The creation process of a Square Project installation is complex and multi-layered. It begins with the design of square paintings using mixed techniques and various layers on wood. Dettmer interprets colours intuitively and dynamically, using different painting materials and tools to create vivid textures and shades, making each colour a unique experience.
Transforming Paintings into Unique Installations
This initial stage leads to the reproduction of the painted works, which are printed individually behind 6 mm thick acrylic glass. This process enhances the depth and gloss of the colour motif, creating a distinctive effect. The squares behind acrylic glass are then arranged by Dettmer into abstract, powerful geometric grid images. With minimal spacing, she combines these individual squares into something entirely new: an installation that invites viewers to experience a diverse color display and a constantly evolving spatial experience.
A Mark of Distinction
Jana Dettmer, supported by the Artforum Culture Foundation in collaboration with the Winter Foundation Hamburg, is exploring new pathways in aesthetics and spatial experiences. Through her abstract works, she encourages viewers to engage with the aesthetic, psychological, and philosophical significance of colour in a lively yet subtle manner.
In recognition of her work, Jana Dettmer was awarded the Winter Foundation Hamburg Art Award this year.
Dettmer has been exhibiting regularly across Europe and the United States for years. Her works are featured in numerous private collections and are represented in national and international collections, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., MAMAC in Nice, and the Women's Museum in Bonn.
To accompany the exhibition in Saint-Tropez this year, an artist book will be published: "Jana Dettmer, Modular Mixtures - The Square Project," edited by Peter Merten, ArtForum Editions (ISBN 978-3-910694-08-8).
Lavoir Vasserot
1, Rue Joseph Quaranta
FR-83990 Saint-Tropez
Vernissage: September 5, 2024, 6:00 PM
Exhibition: September 6-11, 2024, 10 AM-1 PM and 3-7 PM
Parallel to this, an exhibition on the same theme will take place in Cologne:
#art4you
Merowingerstraße 30
50677 Cologne / Südstadt
Phone: +49 221 977 12 600
Email: contact@janadettmer.com
Opening Hours:
Thursday and Friday: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
and by appointment
Vernissage: August 29, 2024, 6:30 PM
Exhibition: August 30 – September 21, 2024
The initial exhibition of the Project
was in April 25 - 28, 2024 at #art4you (booth D5)
Discovery Art Fair Cologne
- Thursday (First Choice for Invited Guests): 4 PM - 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11 AM - 8 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM - 6 PM
Location: XPOST Köln, Gladbacher Wall 5, 50670 Cologne, Germany