Bernd Ribbeck

"We are all friends"

The location of the studio could not be more spectacular. Before you climb up the stairs, you pass by the backstage area of the legendary SO36 Club, where in former times Martin Kippenberger socialized and “bad taste parties” take place nowadays. The atmosphere of his studio on the other hand, which served as a mosque before he moved in, is very quiet, and the glass brick windows scatter the light in a most pleasant way.

Bernd Ribbeck proceeds in his very own way. After studying art history, which disappointed him, because he felt it was not committed to art at all and too fixated on historic details, he moved on to fine art. Could this background be the reason why he feels free to challenge art history and classical modern art in particular?

His paintings are so strong and concentrated that he need not paint on larger formats. His art is known to be abstract, geometrical and sometimes mantra-like or with cosmic aspects, but he has recently begun adding strong architectural forms to his work. Whereas De Chirico was addicted to linear perspective for the depiction of architectonical environments, Bernd Ribbeck uses cavalier perspective, making it possible for him to go from architecture right into abstract 3D-patterns. What seems to be a radical step in direction of plasticity is the consequent development of his subjects by adding spatial elements.
Bernd Ribbeck paints on MDF-panels with mixed media, like arcylic colour, ball pen and permanent marker. He is thereby able to create specific surfaces, oscillating between drawing and painting, but it´s always painting in the end.

The works we see in the studio will be shown at the Armory Show by Galeria Casado Santapau, Madrid.

What is it about your studio space that inspires you?

The light, which is broken through the glass blocks and that it is situated in the center of Kreuzberg.

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

Music.

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

Ballpointpen.

What themes do you pursue?

colour / form / light / space / material / transcendence / fetishism

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

A Fra Angelico.

GALLERIES