“I would like to work with psychologists and scientists who deal with the subject of lovesickness.”
Name
Julie Legouez
Profession
Artist
Website
Who are you? What do you do?
I’m a fighter with a broken heart and I make confessional art. I’m also co-founder of the artist collective Sorgen (International).
Where are you from?
I grew up in Mönchengladbach, a city only known for its soccer club. I’ve been living in Berlin for 10 years.
Your style in 3 words?
Authentic, sad and amusing.
Your weakness? Your strength?
Weaknesses: Impatience, no upper arm muscles and wrong expectations. Strength: A big heart.
What makes you different?
I feel the same feelings as everyone else. Maybe the difference in my art is that I also examine the unpleasant and embarrassing things in life and am not ashamed of them.
When did you decide to become an artist?
I’ve been writing ever since I learned how to write, and I’ve always worked creatively as a teenager. After dropping out my studies (German language and art history), I moved to Berlin, started painting and began studying fine art.
What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?
My work helps me cope with life. Working with my biography gives me the opportunity to turn every experience into art. It is very soothing for me to know that I can turn the worst experiences into something constructive. Of course, it is also a healing process and I understand it as a diary.
A few words about your favourite creation?
I don’t really have one favourite work, but a good indicator for me is when I feel uncomfortable and on edge about displaying an artwork in an exhibition. For example, the work “Geheimnisse” from 2014: This piece completely changed the way I see my art and my whole approach towards it. Initially, the work was just a sketch for a large wall installation. I carried the note around with me for about two weeks and wrote down all the secrets I had at the time. When the note was full, I made the decision to exhibit it. Through this experience I found a simplicity in my work that I did not know before. From this point on, I adapted the medium to the content and didn’t just use painting.
Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…
Definitely the work of Tracey Emin. I wish “My bed” had been my idea. Her work has shown me that honesty and revealing your vulnerability can make you feel strong and independent. Also, the works of Sophie Calles and Louise Bourgeois.
Who would you like to work with someday and why?
I would like to work with psychologists and scientists who deal with the subject of lovesickness. I find it exciting to look at such an emotional topic from a scientific point of view.
A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?
I want to bury my expectations. Literally bury my expectations. And I recently began writing a book.
Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“
… my health.
2020: Where are we going?
Only to the supermarket and for a walk.
When the going gets tough…
I write about it.
Your city’s favourite spots?
My favourite restaurant is Molinari & Ko in Solmstraße, and the best marzipan soy ice is available from tanne b in Marheineke-Markthalle. Both locales have problems with their rental agreements. I hope they can stay.
Put on your future vision glasses: What direction is our generation moving in, what will our world look like in 50 years?
I hope good.
What would you do if you could change the World?
As a beauty queen would answer: world peace.
If the universe is everything and it’s expanding, what is it expanding into?
I’ve been crazy about this question since I was kid. When I can’t get out of this spiral of thoughts, I think of the movie scene from “Man in Black”, in which the cat wears the universe on its collar.
Tell us about your future plans…
Maybe I’ll adopt a cat.
Last but not least: what is your favourite Song?
“Fireworks” by The Whitest Boy Alive
One last statement please: „Wood or stone, gold or art?”
I googled wood and stone and found this question in a forum: “What is the difference between wood and stone?” Answer: “A silly question. Like what is the difference between humans and cats. If you don’t know, you have a problem…”
Your #…
