AK Schaffner

Under the surface

My interest lies in what evades, or to be more precise, what defies our familiar ways of seeing and perceived ideals of beauty. I tenaciously scratch the surface, lay bare, dissect, irritate, without knowing precisely where this might lead. A space thereby emerges that lies deeper than my gaze allows me to see.

What is it about your studio space that inspires you?

Privacy and creative chaos...

What sounds, scents and sights do you encounter while in your studio?

Silence, my movements, street sounds in the background.

What is your favourite material to work with? How has your use of it evolved throughout your practice?

Acrylic, coal, ink and mirrors.

What advice has had the biggest impact on your career?

Not everyone will like you, not everyone will even try.

If you could install your art absolutely anywhere, where would that be?

Guggenheim New York.

If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?

One work of Francis Bacon.

If you weren´t an artist, what would you be doing?

Medical research... or a teacher, helping young people to find their passion.

What are your favourite places besides your studio?

Sitting at my kitchen table with family and friends. My bed. And Hamburg harbour of course!

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