Carolin Israel, la cucaracha, 2018, photo by Bernhard Adams
Carolin Israel, la cucaracha, 2018, photo by Bernhard Adams

“My paintings are waiting for the right energy, the right moment.”

Name

Carolin Israel

Profession

Artist — primary medium paint.

Website

carolin-israel.de

Carolin Israel, 2018, photo by Theresa Weber
Carolin Israel, 2018, photo by Theresa Weber

Who are you? What do you do?

I’m an artist currently based in Düsseldorf. I create an enraptured world of various shapes and colours on canvas, paper installations and in digital works. Each work is a surreal comment on my surrounding and shares insights with the people around me.

Where are you from?

I was born in Chemnitz, a city in the Eastern part of Germany. I am now based in Düsseldorf. And I’m always wondering where my next steps will take me. Life is exciting and full of colour.

Your style in 3 words?

intuitive, questing, colour-resplendent

Carolin Israel, der Vorgarten, 2017, photo by Bernhard Adams
Carolin Israel, der Vorgarten, 2017, photo by Bernhard Adams

Your weakness? Your strength?

I dislike routine.

What makes you different?

Each morning when I awake, I’ve got the feeling that the day ought to be slightly different than the day before. And every day I try my hardest to follow my inner voice and to maintain awareness of it, especially in the studio. My paintings are waiting for the right energy, the right moment. Sometimes in a productive flow some wonderful ideas can happen and nothing else matters anymore, not even time.

When did you decide to become a painter?

As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a painter. Calling my painting a profession is like a dream come true. Even when it’s often not the easiest route, I’ll hopefully never have to give up on it.

What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?

My process is based on layering forms one on top of another. It needs a lot of changes to take place before the final forms can emerge, whether this be over two days or two years. Mostly I’m looking for that one satisfying, surprising idea, which is deeper than just the layers of paint itself.

A few words about your favourite creation?

There are two works I’d like to highlight, first the “Vatis Hobbys” (= Daddy’s Hobbies). This one became necessary to paint as it felt as though it literally just fell out of my hands. The second piece is “La Cucaracha” which as well as being a personal highlight was also a big fight over years. It seemed that I first had to cross the Amazon Rainforest before I could finish it. And I did!

Carolin Israel, aladin, 2018, photo by Bernhard Adams
Carolin Israel, aladin, 2018, photo by Bernhard Adams

Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you …

I love spending long hours wandering around museums and galleries, and try to draw inspiration from as many artists as I can connect with. Some standouts would be Hieronymus Bosch, Hilma af Klint, Per Kirkeby, Christine Streuli, Luc Aubort and Sophia Schama. The most influential artists for me have been Elke Hopfe and Katharina Grosse, who have informed my composition, my lean towards continuous correction, and my feelings on the importance of maintaning a searching mind.

A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?

A few months ago during a residency in Colombia, I expanded my work by one dimension. By this I mean that the 2D levels of my paintings spread out into the room as layers of paper shapes hung down from the ceiling. I want to create an Installation of paper cuts and paint — inside a different culture than mine — with a focus on shapes and colours, in a site-specific manner. I’m still searching to find a public space to realize this project.

copyright Carolin Israel, piedrapreciosa, 2018
copyright Carolin Israel, piedrapreciosa, 2018

Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“

to keep painting.

2018: Where are we going?

The complexity of the world seems to be accelerating. Conversely, or maybe in parallel, the importance of healthy lifestyles and mind-sets seems to be growing. Healthier life styles, Yoga, cyber diets and thoughtful diets are all good signs to me. I hope that our priorities keep changing towards a focus on mindfulness. Accumulating money shouldn’t be a predominant focus in our lives any more, as it is not the key to happiness.

When the going gets tough…

Listen to your inner voice and find your center.

Your city’s favourite spots?

I love to work out at Poleland which is a poledancing studio founded by some art students. Düsseldorf has a great museum, offspace and gallery scene to explore. I especially like Sonne und Solche and Gallery Kadel Willborn.

Carolin Israel, thetys II or cover collector, 2018, photo by Bernhard Adams
Carolin Israel, thetys II or cover collector, 2018, photo by Bernhard Adams

Do you have a vision?

Yes: to create those few unique works during my life that will withstand the test of time.

What would you do if you could change the World?

I’d like to see people less fearful, more socially aware, and more ecologically minded. It would be great to see people taking pride in what they do for others rather than thinking that their successes can only exist juxtaposed against people with less. I think a really good start would be universal basic income.

Carolin Israel, ryuu, 2017, photo by Bernhard Adams
Carolin Israel, ryuu, 2017, photo by Bernhard Adams

Tell us about your future plans…

I love travelling and am really looking forward to a residency in Mallorca next year thanks to RPR Art. Afterwards there are exhibitions in the city and a showcase of the results will follow in Frankfurt.

Last but not least: what is your favourite Song?

Recently I was commissioned with creating the cover art for the debut album of a newly formed group called “Collector.” I was lucky enough to really connect with their music and right now my favourite song is one of theirs. The song is called “Titans;” it’s an extremely sensitive and thoughtfully constructed piece. The release is on 13th of December at the OKA in Dresden.

#…?

#everydayishalloween