Iris Schomaker has developed a unique approach to works on paper with oil and watercolour throughout her artistic career. Often times large-scale, her works predominantly depict figures in contemplative and intimate scenes. Nevertheless, her paintings distance themselves from a purely figurative approach, through calculated reduction on a formal level.
Read MoreSchomaker's delicate use of colour, surface, and shape, lends her work a distinct element of abstraction. The paintings have a recognisable drawing-like quality, as seen in remaining traces of the work process, such as pencil marks still visible under thin layers of paint. This contributes to the mood of the paintings and further emphasises that they are not depictions of reality along with the often featureless faces of her brooding protagonists.
In her abbreviation of form and expression, Schomaker creates atmospheres in her work, which, complemented by her subtle manner, evokes a deep sense of peace and distance, while simultaneously leaving plenty space for the viewer to project emotions into the painting.
Iris Schomaker studied fine arts in Kiel and Hamburg as well as in Trondheim and Bergen in Norway. She has participated in various national and international exhibitions, including Kunstverein Schwimmhalle Schloss Plön (2016), Beijing International Art Biennale (2015), Mediation Biennal, Poznan (2014), Museum Sinclair-Haus, Bad Homburg (2014), Frankfurter Kunstverein (2013), Kunsthaus Stade (2013), Berlinische Galerie (2007; 2010), Schloss Salzau (2009), Staatliche Galerie, Zoppot (2001), and Villa Manin in Passariano (2001). Her works can be found in several public and many private collections. Iris Schomaker lives and works in Berlin.
Text courtesy Reflex Amsterdam.
