In Stefanie Heinze’s playful figurations, abstracted and ambiguous forms become recognizable as unexpected subjects. From disembodied body parts, to everyday objects, to animal-like figures, her subjects melt into colorful, fantastical backgrounds to create vivid visual worlds which reveal an interplay between high and low culture.
Heinze’s brightly colored, imaginative compositions are cleverly subversive in their details and symbolism, and convey rebellious but humorous social critiques, complemented with equally witty, lyrical titles. Although considered adjacent to abstract expressionism and the Leipzig school of painting, Heinze is categorically unique, as she explores new forms and possibilities of representation. The origins of her inventive paintings can be found in her intimate, delicate drawings, which capture just as much liveliness on their small scale as on the gigantic canvasses.
In the short time since graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Leipzig, Heinze has exhibited widely. She has had solo exhibitions at Petzel, New York (2020); Capitain Petzel, Berlin (2019); LC Queisser, Tbilisi (2019); Sammlung Philara, Düsseldorf (2019); Mary Boone Gallery, New York (2018); Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London (2017) among others. She has participated in numerous group shows including at the Deichtorhallen, Hamburg (2020); Saatchi Gallery, London (2018); Tanya Leighton, Berlin (2017); Good Press, Glasgow (2016); basis, Frankfurt (2015). Heinze’s works are in the collections of the ICA Miami, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden and the Marguerite Hoffman Collection, Dallas.
Courtesy Capitain Petzel

A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services