by Erich
Status: 02.13.2025
Where and what are you studying?
From 2008 to 2013, I studied at the State Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe in the Painting and Printmaking class under Prof. Erwin Gross and studied Intermedia Design under Prof. Wolfgang Mayer and Prof. Christina Gomez Barrio (Discoteca Flaming Star) at the State Academy of Fine Arts, Stuttgart, from 2015 to 2016.
What themes feature in your work and are you currently exploring? How would you describe your style, and how has it developed during your studies?
Thematically, I explore a contemporary reinterpretation of classical reverse-glass painting through a fusion of informal painting, Pop Art elements, baroquely exuberant forms and starkly reduced, comic-book-style insertions of representational and figurative elements. In my creative process, I navigate somewhere between melancholy and hedonism, expressing—mostly through abstract painterly forms—my artistic stance in relation to art discourse, world events, the current zeitgeist, or even very personal experiences. Through abstraction, I deliberately avoid an obvious narrative or a specific interpretation; thus, the viewer themselves takes centre stage, enabling entirely individual associations, emotions and interpretations.
Which materials and
techniques do you prefer to work with?
Ever since my student days, I have been working with a fascinating liquid called ferrofluid, which possesses magnetic properties and was originally developed for fuel delivery in rocket engines. In many of my works, it can be recognised by its characteristic brown colour as well as its unique, fine, braided lines. Using a mixed media technique combining varnish, acrylic paint, ink and oil paint, I combine a wide variety of painting materials that are suitable for glass as a support.
Which artist inspires you the most?
Among others, I am inspired by: Julio Rondo, Cy Twombly, Jenny Brosinski, Albert Oehlen and Gerhard Richter
How would you describe your style, and how has it developed during your studies?
Abstraction plays a central role in my work. During my studies, I continued to work in a naturalistic style for years, although I gradually moved away from figurative and representational depictions, which I found to be a great liberation.
As a result, individual surfaces, textures and informal compositions of form and colour became increasingly important to me, and the visual information in my work gradually reduced to the essential.
How did you come across Studierenden Kunstmarkt and what has been your experience of ?
It was pure coincidence, as a fellow studio member was hosting a visit from Erich (founder of Studierenden Kunstmarkt – Editor’s note) and Anna (SKM team – Editor’s note Editor’s note) for a video shoot in our studio. I happened to be there and we got chatting. The graduates’ category on SKM was new to me, so even though it’s been a while since I finished my degree, I was able to become part of the community. Shortly after I’d uploaded a selection of my work, the first pieces were sold. I’ve also already had the chance to take part in a community exhibition at the SKM Gallery in Leipzig, which was a brilliant experience.
Have you had any particular experiences with a client?
So far, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with clients and received very good feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Studierenden Kunstmarkt is the leading platform for student art in the German-speaking world. It enables art enthusiasts and art lovers to buy artworks directly from art students, thereby providing them with financial support whilst they are studying.
Studierenden Kunstmarkt was founded in 2020 by Erich Reich and his brother. Erich is still the managing director of Studierenden Kunstmarkt and, together with his team, has succeeded in creating a platform that brings together art lovers, those interested in art and art students. To this day, Studierenden Kunstmarkt is entirely self-funded and has not received any external funding from investors.
At any given time, there are several hundred art students and several thousand works of art on the Student Art Market. A good place to start if you’re looking for an initial overview of the artists is the ‘Artists of the Month’ section.
Just like normal galleries, Studierenden Kunstmarkt receives a commission on each artwork sold. This funds the running of the platform, its maintenance and the salaries of Studierenden Kunstmarkt’s staff. In addition, we support the students, are on hand to advise on any queries, and run free advertising for them on Instagram, Facebook, Google and in our email newsletter, which has several thousand art lovers as subscribers.
There are many ways you can start investing in young artists on the student art market. One option is to sign up for our free email course, ‘Become an Art Expert in 7 Days’. In it, we’ll share a few basics with you, as well as some of our insider tips on which artists have particular potential. Find out more
Take a look at our most popular artists at the Student Art Market