The Art of Evolution: Celebrating German Excellence in Abstraction

In Conversation with Tomislav Topic: Insights and Artistic Evolution

I met Tomislav Topic several years ago. I still remember the first time I saw one of his installations—it was so cool I knew I had to meet the person behind it. His work thoughtfully explores how we perceive colors and their profound impact on us.

This past week, I sat down with Tomislav and we caught up like old friends. This is what I love about my job: while the initial connection with an artist often stems from my intrigue about their work, it often evolves into friendship. It had been a while since our last conversation, which was when he was installing one of his large-scale works in Boston. I drove out there for the weekend just to catch up and see his new work.

To give you a bit of background, Tomislav’s work consists of large-scale installations, and also what he describes as “flat works” such as paintings and works on paper. If I had to sum up Tomislav’s work in two words, it would be color and contrast. The color treatment in all his work is superb, and the contrasts and gradients perhaps define his style best. His installations usually consist of similarly spaced layers of mesh that overlap, creating dynamic Moiré patterns as one moves around them.

His more traditional formats, like paintings and paper works, are just as compelling as his large-scale installations. He is incredibly thoughtful and experimental in his approach, always exploring the "what ifs" of his work. For example, the. work below was created by dipping paper into a tub filled with different pigment solutions. These pigments are absorbed by the paper at different rates, creating a visual map of their densities. The photo below it is of a work created using a device Tomislav invented—a frame with strings stretched from top to bottom. These strings are soaked with paint and then imprinted on the paper by pulling them one by one.

During our conversation, I was happy to hear about the new developments in his career and artistic process. He has shifted how he creates his large-scale installations (they’re now produced and installed by a third party), allowing him more space to focus on the conceptual side of his art, a change he finds liberating and crucial for his growth. This newfound freedom allows him to explore and push boundaries in his work without the pressures of commercial success.

The location of his studio was another key topic of our discussion. In recent years, he has moved his studio to a farm on the outskirts of Berlin—a quiet setting that starkly contrasts with the urban landscapes where his installations are often displayed. Here, he feels he can truly innovate and create without constraints, exploring new ideas and mediums. This personal sanctuary is pivotal for his creative process, especially as his career progresses and his engagements become more demanding.

Part of his work has evolved to include sustainable practices—he has been experimenting with eco-friendly materials and methods. He described the variety of natural pigments available within his farm, which he refers to as the "color map" of his property. These efforts reflect his commitment to sustainability and his belief in the responsibility of artists to consider the environmental impact of their work.

Looking ahead, Tomislav is preparing for a solo show in Berlin, an event that brings a mix of nerves and excitement. This exhibition will not only showcase his latest works but will also symbolize the culmination of recent phases in his career, highlighting his growth and the new directions he has been exploring.

A Virtual Visit to Daniel Man’s Studio: Insights and Artistic Process

Daniel Man is an artist I have long admired. He is not only incredibly talented but also genuinely nice. What can I say? He’s “The Man.” I was thrilled when he recently agreed to catch up, and this week, we connected via Zoom. Set against the backdrop of his studio in Augsburg, Germany, our conversation offered a glimpse into his current projects and his approach to his work.

Daniel tried to give me a virtual tour of his studio but initially struggled with the camera—where’s the zoom flip-camera feature again? Once we figured it out, he showed me around his workspace, filled with various tools and materials that highlight his hands-on approach. His studio is where all the magic happens—from conceptual brushstrokes to the final touches of paint.

During our chat, Daniel shared insights into the preparation for his upcoming show. He pointed out several canvases around him, explaining that some of the pieces were part of a new series, while others were destined for different exhibitions. This peek into his working environment revealed a dynamic and ongoing creative process, emphasizing his commitment to evolving his art.

Daniel has had an incredible career, starting as a street artist in the '80s, emulating the vibrant street art scene of New York at that time. Back then, he was known as “Codeak.” Tomislav Topic recalls approaching Daniel as he was creating a large-scale mural and being surprised at how open Daniel was to talking and sharing his experiences.

As time passed, Daniel’s work evolved to include more traditional formats, which now constitute the main body of his work. During our conversation, he explained that these works are constructed in layers. This methodical approach to building up a piece involves more than just applying color; it's about creating depth and interaction between the shapes and colors. Each layer contributes to the overall narrative of the work, developed through a thoughtful process of addition and reflection.

When discussing how he knows a piece is complete, Daniel offered a fascinating insight: he doesn’t follow a strict timeline but feels the completion of his works intuitively. Art, for him, is an ongoing dialogue—a conversation that concludes not when he decides but when there is nothing more to say (don’t you love how artists think?). This philosophy underlines a deep connection to his work, allowing the creative process to flow naturally.

What I love about Daniel’s work is his visual language, a bold approach to color and form. His pieces showcase fluid interactions of abstract forms and vibrant colors, merging both sharp and smooth lines. His compositions are complex and feature layers of organic and geometric shapes that intertwine and overlap on the surface of the canvas, as they create a sense of depth and movement. The kinetic energy his work has is due to the use of shadows and highlights, and amplified by the strategic placement of curvilinear and angular lines.

Daniel often works on multiple pieces at once, which allows him to shift focus and maintain creative momentum. This multitasking is crucial as it accommodates drying times and helps him manage the physical constraints of painting.

Interestingly, Daniel mentioned that while he produces only about 10 to 15 finished pieces each year, this output is significant given the depth of engagement each work demands. His productivity reflects not just physical creation but also the mental and emotional investment in each piece.

Our discussion also touched on the practical aspects of being an artist, such as managing relationships with galleries and navigating the intricacies of art pricing, which he handles with careful consideration to maintain both his integrity and his partnerships.

Daniel’s passion for his craft was evident throughout our conversation. He remains deeply engaged with his work, constantly exploring new ideas and techniques, and incredibly humble despite his considerable success.

The Germans are exceptionally skilled at abstraction. Why is this the case?

A couple of newsletters ago, I mentioned that I systematically categorize the artists I admire, and one of these categories is “Contemporary German Abstraction.” The reason for such specific category is the remarkable proficiency of German artists in the realm of abstraction. Maybe I'm overgeneralizing, but every time I find a work of abstract art I love, it often falls into this category. It might be something that resonates with me personally, but I don’t think I’m alone in this sentiment.

As highlighted in this newsletter, the two artists I featured in the previous articles are prime examples of excellence in abstraction. German artists are renowned for their contributions to contemporary abstraction. So, I had to figure out why. My initial thought was that it stemmed from their historical foundation. Germany has a rich history of abstract art, dating back to the early 20th century with movements such as German Expressionism and the Bauhaus school. These movements emphasized abstract forms and theoretical approaches to art, establishing a strong foundation for contemporary practices. The Bauhaus, in particular, with its revolutionary ideas about material, form, and the intersection of art and technology, has been a significant influence on contemporary abstract art. My theory made sense, but it felt somewhat incomplete.

Recently, while at the pool with my kid, I was chatting with my German friend Julia. I offered my perspective and, rather unimpressed she cut to the chase:

—“German abstraction is so good because of the Nazis…”

—Oh.

Now, Julia has a PhD in German Cultural Studies from Columbia University (where she also teaches), and her focus is on Post-War German Culture. It’s fair to say she knows what she’s talking about. According to her, the excellence in German abstraction partly arises from the Nazi era. The Nazis deemed Bauhaus, German Expressionism, and other forms of modern art as “Degenerate Art.” As a response, and in an effort to differentiate themselves from Nazi ideology, German artists strived to make their abstract art as exceptional as possible, pushing the boundaries and distancing themselves from the oppressive regime’s values and visual aesthetics.

In conclusion, the proficiency of German artists in abstraction might be the result of a complex interplay of historical influences and a reactionary drive to oppose Nazi ideals and visual aesthetics. This combination has led to a rich tradition of innovation and excellence in contemporary German abstract art.

On a personal note...

Happy Father's Day to all my fellow dads!

See you next week!

Pato