Höre Was mit Kunst - Ein Podcast von und mit Johann König

In this episode of WAS MIT KUNST, Johann König sits down with New York-based artist Dana James to explore the themes of transformation, memory, and duality in her work. Central to James’s practice is her exploration of contradiction – the tension between beauty and chaos, clarity and abstraction. Her works are rich in texture, inviting the viewer to engage with the physicality of the surface. The subtle juxtaposition of pastel tones with deeper, darker hues continues her exploration of themes such as femininity, vulnerability, and power. James shares insights into her artistic journey, from growing up in a family of artists to her transition from figurative to abstract painting. She reflects on how her past as a makeup artist has influenced her understanding of layering and color, as well as the physically demanding nature of her process – she often works with her hands, shaping the surface of her paintings manually. Together, James and König delve into the influences behind THE ENCHANTMENT ROOM, discussing how she conceived the show and its connection to the sacred atmosphere of a chapel. James explains how her artistic evolution is more circular than linear – she enjoys revisiting past ideas while constantly pushing herself to do the opposite of what came before. Listen in to hear why Dana James believes that artistic growth is not just about moving forward but also about looking back and reimagining. Learn more about the artist HERE [https://www.koeniggalerie.com/collections/dana-james] View the exhibition HERE [https://www.koeniggalerie.com/blogs/exhibitions/dana-james-the-enchantment-room] Listen to the episode with Anselm Reyle HERE [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5BnjzEcMZbK4vgaQB3Ddmz]

In this episode of WAS MIT KUNST, Johann König sits down with internationally renowned artist Bosco Sodi to explore the themes of materiality, spirituality, and transformation in his work. Central to Sodi’s practice is his embrace of natural forces and the beauty of imperfection. His works, rich in texture and depth, reflect his philosophy of allowing the unknown to shape his artistic process. In MON PÈRE, his latest exhibition at KÖNIG GALERIE, Sodi presents a meditative installation featuring mixed-media canvases and a century-old olive tree, engaging in a profound dialogue with the sacred space of St. Agnes. Together, Sodi and König discuss the inspirations behind MON PÈRE – from his personal connection to his father to the symbolic power of the olive tree and the importance of roots. Sodi also shares insights into his creative approach, from the physicality of his process – searching for pigments, building layers, and sensing the moment to let the painting evolve – to the role of chance in his work and the deep relationship between art and nature. The conversation also touches on his unexpected journey into the art world, the struggle of turning art into a profession, and how he sees creation as a form of therapy. Sodi reflects on the significance of mastering every step of his process and his ongoing exploration of clay at Casa Wabi, the artist residency and foundation he co-founded with architect Tadao Ando. Listen in to hear why Bosco Sodi believes that true beauty lies in embracing chaos and imperfection. Learn more about the artist HERE [https://www.koeniggalerie.com/collections/bosco-sodi] View the exhibition HERE [https://www.koeniggalerie.com/blogs/exhibitions/bosco-sodi-mon-pere]

In this episode of WAS MIT KUNST, Johann König talks with the French artist Reine Paradis, whose solo show ECLIPSE is on view at KÖNIG TELEGRAPHENAMT. Known for her bold use of color and unconventional process, Reine Paradis works across multiple mediums, including self-portrait photography, painting, performance, sculpture, and video. Her art invites viewers into a vividly surreal world where familiar perceptions are replaced by a new visual language. In ECLIPSE, her latest solo show at KÖNIG TELEGRAPHENAMT, Paradis presents new works that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. Based in Los Angeles since 2012, she meticulously constructs each scene—from initial sketches and location scouting to costume design and staged self-portraits—before refining the final image through careful editing. Expanding her practice, she transforms props from her photographs into neon-translucent uranium glass sculptures, playing with light and shadow to heighten the immersive effect. In this episode, König and Paradis discuss the evolution of her practice, her signature color palette, and her artist residency at KÖNIG MEXICO CITY. Learn more about the artist HERE [https://www.koeniggalerie.com/collections/reine-paradis] View the exhibition HERE [https://www.koeniggalerie.com/blogs/exhibitions/reine-paradis-eclipse]

In dieser Folge von WAS MIT KUNST spricht Johann König mit der chinesischen Malerin Xiyao Wang, deren Soloshow LIGHTLY FLOATS AND DRIFTS THE BOAT bei KÖNIG MEXICO CITY zu sehen ist. Xiyao Wangs Werke sind von einer abstrakten Formensprache geprägt, die aus der Wechselwirkung zwischen den expressiven Bewegungen ihres Körpers beim Malen und den entstehenden Spuren auf der Leinwand hervorgeht. Die Energie beider Bereiche – des Raums vor dem Bild und der dargestellten Fläche innerhalb des Bildrahmens – wird mit der Lebendigkeit und Kraft eingefangen, die dem Entstehungsprozess jedes Werks innewohnen. Johann und Xiyao sprechen über diesen Prozess sowie über verschiedene Arbeitswerkzeuge wie Kohle und den „Oilstick“. Inspiriert von dem klassischen chinesischen Gedicht 归去来兮辞 (Ah, Homeward Bound I Go!) reflektiert die neueste Werkserie ihrer Soloshow LIGHTLY FLOATS AND DRIFTS THE BOAT ihre fortwährende künstlerische Reise und persönliche Suche nach Identität. Die Ausstellung verbindet kulturelles Gedächtnis, philosophische Reflexion und die Vergänglichkeit der Zeit – Themen, die sowohl in ihrem Leben als auch in ihrer kreativen Praxis eine zentrale Rolle spielen. Mehr Infos über die KÜNSTLERIN [https://www.koeniggalerie.com/collections/xiyao-wang] Mehr zur AUSSTELLUNG [https://www.koeniggalerie.com/blogs/exhibitions/xiyao-wang-lightly-floats-and-drifts-the-boat]

In this episode of WAS MIT KUNST, Johann König sits down with Japanese artist Etsu Egami to explore the themes of miscommunication, Asian artistic heritage, and global influences in her work. Following the opening of her solo exhibition, MELODY, at KÖNIG GALERIE, Egami discusses her unique approach to portraiture, blending influences from Japanese painting and European figurative traditions. Egami reflects on her classical training in oil painting – an imported technique in Asia – and how her background in calligraphy informs her signature translucent brushstrokes. She shares insights into her fascination with miscommunication as a visual concept and how her art transforms language barriers into striking, emotive compositions. The conversation touches on the differences between painting from information versus memory and friendship, as well as the universal potential of visual art to bridge cultural divides. Together, Egami and König delve into the influences behind MELODY, from pop icons like John Lennon and Freddie Mercury to composers like Mozart. Egami also discusses her first full-length group portrait, examining how her work distills the human figure into a grammar of gesture and color. Listen in to hear why Egami believes art is a universal language and how she uses painting to reimagine the way we see and connect with one another. Learn more about the artist HERE [https://www.koeniggalerie.com/collections/etsu-egami] View the exhibition HERE [https://www.koeniggalerie.com/blogs/exhibitions/etsu-egami-melody]