Stephi Friedrich

*1986 in Rheine, Germany

Playing with perception, concealment and discovery

In her works, Stephi Friedrich combines transparency with lines and three-dimensional structures as well as surfaces and colors. Her intention is to emphasize, conceal and connect. Playing with perception is one of the fundamental elements of her work.

The results are multi-layered works of great transcendence and sensuality that provide the viewer with deep insights. The optical superimposition of the layers creates an optical-kinetic movement with a tendency towards a sculptural experience.

Stephi Friedrich’s works are part of a modern tradition in which textile materials are deliberately incorporated into contemporary art. From Robert Descharnes to Agnes Martin, Joseph Beuys, Louise Bourgeois, Gotthard Graubner, Rosemarie Trockel through to Mona Hatoum and Ghada Amer.

Exhibitions and art fairs

2023:

– #OrangeTheWorld, Gallery Kellermann, Düsseldorf, Germany
– Zero 23, Gallery Kellermann, Düsseldorf, Germany
– Kunstpunkte 2023, Düsseldorf, Germany

2022:

– #OrangeTheWorld, Gallery Kellermann, Düsseldorf, Germany
– Summer exhibition, Gallery Kellermann, Düsseldorf, Germany
– Academy Selection, Gallery Kellermann, Düsseldorf, Germany

2021:

– Cologne Fine Art & Design, Gallery Kellermann, Cologne, Germany
– Lost & Found, Gallery Kellermann, Düsseldorf, Germany
– Spring exhibition, Gallery Kellermann, Düsseldorf, Germany

Biography

The inspiration for the artworks by Stephi Friedrich (born 1986 in Rheine/NRW) are textile finds as an interface between her personality and her environment. These include, for example, family-owned bed linen from old, dusty boxes, fabrics donated by friends from university, leftover fabrics from old clothing collections destined for destruction, lace curtains from second-hand shops and even valuable silk from Marrakesh. Fabrics of all origins and for all kinds of purposes. For the artist, textiles are a kind of world language that shape our cultures. People’s second skin, a global sensual experience of humanity.

During her studies at the Düsseldorf Art Academy (master classes Brandl and Kürten), Stephi Friedrich discovered the translucent, transparent effect of fabrics by coincidence. Their veiling, concealing function and simultaneous transparency inspired her to experiment increasingly with textile fabrics.

Due to the almost infinite variety of weaves and structures, the artist works with hundreds of fabrics simultaneously in her small studio. The studio itself usually looks like a spontaneous and complex installation. The young artist prefers transparent and veil-like fabrics, which she treats with virtuosity using a variety of materials and techniques. For example, with spray paint, oil, acrylic or ink as well as natural pigments, ground barberries and adhesive tape.