Claudia Hartwig
Growth & seeking identity
When distance digs deep fissures in our lives, one has to plod on, as best as possible, without the intact world that existed before. Over the course of time, hope can develop, becoming the motivating force behind bringing what was separated back together. The search for identity has been a reoccurring theme in Claudia Hartwig’s artistic work. She made her first sculptures and objects out of jute, linen and wire; processes of becoming visible as well as keeping something hidden are crucial in this process. This interplay results in a certain tension that she pursues, that she submits to and then project on to her sculptures. Vitality, providing the work with a soul that brings contrast together through its energy, is also inherently important. Each of the objects that Claudia Hartwig creates is given some of her energy in a manner akin to how a shaman transfers his or her spirit into an inanimate object. Development, growth, reaching maturity and the power inherent when something or someone blossoms play an important role in her current paper clay works. These sculptures are the result of transformative processes, conceived to pass on the hidden powers therein.
Flow, paperclay, paper yarn, wooden frame, 200 x 70 x 26 cm, 2017
Plenty, paperclay, paper yarn, 95 x 42 x 18 cm, 2017
Claudia Hartwig’s studio gallery
From the moon, paperclay, paper yarn, 50 x 30 x 18 cm, 2017
Sweethearts, paperclay, wood, jute, 70 x 70 x 15 cm, 2017
When it’s ripe I, paperclay, paper yarn, 200 x 35 x 26 cm, 2017
When it’s ripe I, paperclay, paper yarn, 200 x 28 x 28 cm, 2017
Shadow-flowering, paperclay, 37 x 23 x 23 cm, 2017
Rope ladder, reflected magically, paperclay, paper yarn, 200 x 35 x 24 cm, 2017
Light, paperclay, wood, 70 x 70 x 15 cm, 2017
Trust, paperclay, paper yarn, 38 x 40 x 28 cm, 2017
A whirlwind of guises paperclay, paper yarn, 130 x 18 x 18 cm, 2017