Hands-On Workshop Culminates with Vernissage

Preparing the Next Generation of Artists

Artists’ Platform Helps and Connects

ARTPIQ Inspires Artists.

Six emerging, talented artists from around the world gathered at the vernissage (a private viewing of paintings before a public exhibition begins) on an idyllic rural farm near Dusseldorf following their three-week residency. 

Daily Dedication to Create Art

ARTPIQ’s Summerhouse Dusseldorf was an artist-in-residence camp for international up-and-coming artists that culminated in the Vernissage at Hof Lindenbeck on September 1, 2018. Brazil, South Korea, Italy, and England were some of the artists’ countries of origin. The budding masters’ assignment was to dedicate every day completely to art and find inspiration to create art in for their surroundings.  Visits to local art institutions, prearranged sessions with a life coach, and an opportunity to connect with artists (at the art academy) and collectors added to their overall learning experience. 

Every Artist Has A Story to Tell

The art created during the project was presented to a curious audience at the vernissage. For this purpose, the organizing art company, ARTPIQ, worked closely with the newspapers, Handelsblatt and Wirtschaftswoche. The event was also sponsored by start-ups such as Harvest Moon, Little Lunch, a pharmaceutical company, Gerstaecker and Kremer Pigmente.

ARTPIQ, an online art-funding platform was founded in March 2017 and is based in Düsseldorf. ARTPIQ offers artists a means to represent their vision so that they can sell their works and raise necessary funds. The company believes that every single artist is unique and has a story to tell and aims to democratize the art market by connecting collectors and investors with emerging artists. 

Katharina Wenzel-Vollenbroich, CEO of ARTPIQ, answers below offers additional insight into the ARTPIQ platform and its role in assisting artists.

Why is art so important to our world?

Art is important for many reasons. Ultimately, it’s about the intimate experience of connecting with another’s emotions, views, and vision. But art can also reflect the world around us, offering new perspectives on political, social and psychological issues. It provokes curiosity, incites new questions, and in certain cases, can inspire us into action.

How were the artists selected?

The artists for the Summerhouse project were selected after we asked artists to submit work based around the theme of water — something that relates to both the local area, and the climate issues we’re currently seeing. The quality of work submitted for entry was way beyond our expectations. This made choosing which artists to select an extremely difficult process. Both I and Janine sat down and spent many grueling hours debating which ones we felt offered the best balance of talent, technique, and vision. We eventually came to a decision, but it was far from easy.

How would you describe the farm?

The farm is a protected house just outside of Dusseldorf and is surrounded by beautiful nature, where horses and chickens once lived. There is a small river that crosses the plot of land; there are also large trees surrounding the house, both of which have a calming effect. The house itself is a cozy space with up to 7 bedrooms — suitable for a group of people wanting to independently live together — or in the case of the ARTPIQ summerhouse, talented emerging artists.

What were the students’ living conditions? Did they have full access to studios, Plein Air, models, etc?

Throughout their stay, we made sure the artists lived in comfort so that they could focus on creating new and exciting works. Food, accommodation, and materials were all provided. We also took some trips out as a group to experience the area around the farm, and the city of Dusseldorf itself.

What were some of the mediums the students used? Did they have specific criteria or instructions they were required to follow?

No, we didn’t have any specific criteria or instructions. We gave artists complete freedom. We understand that shifting between mediums happens, and is not only necessary, but it’s also where the magic often happens, especially as collaboration starts to occur. So we provided everything we could in order to facilitate the artists’ creativity. I think the art produced is an amazing reflection of what can happen when artists can really focus on what they’re good at.

How did you prepare the next generation of artists for what lies ahead i.e. earning a living?

As a platform, our goal is to support emerging artists’ journeys into earning a living from their craft. We help to sell their works online, using a number of digital marketing techniques, including social media and email marketing. We also have an investment model were collectors can invest not only in artwork but an artist themselves. This can give artists the capital to invest in long-term artistic projects. Without that cash flow, it can often be difficult for emerging artists to express themselves, especially if they have to take on full-time jobs to support their practice. What we do is try to make sure this doesn’t have to happen.

What are a few of the important lessons the students learned during ARTPIQ?

I wouldn’t go so far as to call them lessons, but the collaborative element of the ARTPIQ summerhouse project certainly showed that sharing ideas can develop greater works of art. I guess you could say that being able to focus solely on creative output helped them to understand that you sometimes need time solely devoted to creation to really get to grips with what you want to achieve as an artist.

Who sponsored ARTPIQ?

Gerstaecker, Kremer Pigmente, a pharmaceuticals company,  private person sponsors, Harvest Moon, Little Lunch – furthermore we had a collaboration with Handelsblatt and the Wirtschaftswoche.

See more at https://artpiq.net