Max Eckhardt currently loves painting people the most: clear, abstracted portraits in oil, which, despite their uniqueness, also represent archetypes. The aquabitArt gallery is presenting a selection of his portraits over a weekend in September.
Image gallery
Max Eckhardt: human.nature
Inspired by industrial design, Max Eckhardt combines aesthetics and simplicity.
His painting technique gives the faces depth and sophistication. Often it is only at second, closer glance that the skill with which Eckhardt sets colour accents to create tension and evoke emotions becomes apparent. An unexpected bright red spot here or a surprising blue line there give the pictures a fascinatingly powerful charisma and give the portrayed a soul.
He likes it simple and beautiful: Max Eckhardt brings out the best in people in his portraits.
His abstract portraits in oil, which, despite their uniqueness, also represent archetypes, are exciting snapshots. ‘When I paint, I always ask myself: What is the person I am portraying thinking?’ he explains.
Eckhardt, who was born in Bonn in 1987, studied industrial design, and so he also combines aesthetics and clarity in his pictures.
His pictures seem to be thrown lightly onto the canvas. But appearances are deceptive. ‘I often work on a motif for months until I find it good enough and complete,’ he says. Light and shadow, all surfaces and every single detail are carefully composed. Not a millimetre of the canvas is left to chance. In this way, Eckhardt strives for the right balance of colour intensity in every portrait.
During his studies, Eckhardt was taught classical and sculptural drawing. He loves to exchange ideas with other artists to discover different perspectives. ‘I value professional feedback very highly.’ He enjoys an inspiring artistic friendship with the renowned painter Alpay Efe.
Eckhardt emphasises that he is a positive person. ‘In these times of rapid change in the world, I want to create images of timeless beauty and strength. Reduced and with an unobtrusive aura, but lasting in their positive mood. I want to paint pictures that have a soul.’
Opening: Thursday, 26 September, 6–10 pm
