MAIKE ILLIES

subkutan, German for subcutaneous or under the skin, references the exploration of the microscopic-like perspectives within the painterly world of Maike Illies (b. 1996). The visual spectrum of Illies immerses the viewer, through enlarged scenes, into the feelings of the inner-body. Whether as observer or participant, the artistic compositions get sometimes literally under the skin, triggering the perception of subtle feelings –from strength to discomfort– that arise with subliminal sensations reminiscent of power struggles. The preoccupation with the concept of reaction and interaction of the dialogue between protagonist and antagonist plays an elementary role in Illies’ work.

To achieve this illusionary effect and unique observational sensation, the artist first works with rough divisions on the cotton. The cotton, primed several times with Primal, is then prepared using chalk, coloured pencil or pastel crayons, for the first of countless brushstroke that follows. The layers of glazes, patterns and textures are elaborated in time until the painting attains a comprehensive status, allowing the experience and contemplation of them to be natural, instinctive and self-evident.

The shapes and colours originate from different organic cosmos - whether a deep introspective of the inner self, the earthly ocean and rainforest, or the universe. More fundamentally, Illies’ work explores concepts and effects of tranquillity, power, weightlessness, discomfort, pressure or objectification, luring the viewer before he or she grasps this with, for example, soft forms and garish colours, comparable to mimesis in zoology. As viewers, we are confronted with the personal experience and our own emotional world and at the same time challenged to awaken this for ourselves anew.

Maike Illies (b. 1996) lives and works in Berlin. She studied art at Friedrich Wilhelm Universität Bonn. From 2016 to 2021 she attended the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where she first studied under Stefan Kürten and graduated under Prof. Sabrina Fritsch. In 2022 she participated in the exhibition »WOW NOW«at SETAREH Berlin, DE. This year Maike Illies was exhibited »Perlentaucher« at Nella Beljan Gallery in Berlin, DE. In 2020 she had a solo exhibition at KAK, Zossener 44 in Berlin, DE.