This is Felix Dörrenbecher

Where and what are you studying?

I’m studying fine art at the HBK Saar.

What themes feature in your work?

Essentially, my work explores everything that defines the human condition , but also, above all, myself, my own development and the observations in everyday life. I am fascinated by polarising themes and the visual representation of inner human processes. Existential and moral questions – whether there is such a thing as right and wrong at all, whether the worldly events, when viewed from above, are merely an abstract sequence of events – these are topics that constantly occupy my thoughts.It may well be that I grapple with specific issues in a very concrete way, such as, most recently, the tradition of bullfighting, but on the whole I try to follow my intuition in the painting process . As a result, the themes and emotions I reflect on during the day automatically find their way into my work.

What materials and techniques do you prefer to work with?

I’m really taken with oil painting, but drawing and etching are also, for , absolutely fundamental parts of my painting; I’ve recently discovered oil pencils and pastels for myself. Every now and then, I also head off to an abandoned place to leave something behind there using a spray can.

Following on from that: how important is drawing to you? After all, you paint and draw – do you regard them as equally important forms of work?

Yes, for me, drawing comes before painting; it was through drawing that I first developed my painterly visual language. What makes drawing so interesting for me is that you can draw lines continuously with the pencil without ever lifting it; this option isn’t possible when painting, which by no means makes painting any less interesting to me. It is simply a different creative process. Painting has a different depth and because of the usually larger dimensions, one can immerse oneself more fully in the painting, both as the creator and as the viewer.

How did you get into etching?

Through an intaglio printing course at my university; ever since then, etching has been an essential part of my artistic practice. 6. Which artists inspire you in particular? As a small child, I was completely fascinated by Escher; later on, artists such as Jonas Burgert, Ryan Hewett, Anthony Micallef, Daniel Richter and Jonathan Meese, who inspired me greatly.

How did you develop your ‘colour palette’? Which colours recur time and again in your work?

Red and blue are probably the colours I use most often. However, I don’t have a particular favourite colour; I enjoy discovering new colours for myself and working with them

What role do animals play in your work?

For me, animals are the ultimate symbol of instinct and emotion. People often hide their emotions, or lose their natural connection to their instincts. Animals are different in that respect, they act solely on instinct and have a primal trust in their actions. A trait which, in my opinion, humans are born with but which they lose over time. Furthermore, I find that animals have a mythological quality, and I find it incredibly fascinating to play with the symbolism behind is something I find really fascinating.

What themes are you currently exploring?

At the moment I don’t have a specific theme, but I’m planning to paint larger canvases again and develop a series of etchings.

Where do you paint?

Among other things, my university has premises at the Völklinger Hütte World Heritage Site; there I have a large studio where I devote myself exclusively to painting. I prefer to produce my drawings at home at my desk.

How would you describe your style, and how has it developed during your studies?

How would you describe your style, and how has it developed during your studies? At first, I worked in great detail and with great precision, until it degenerated into such perfection that the exact opposite emerged and I became engrossed in abstract painting for a while. Over the course of my studies, these artistic extremes have found a balance, and now I am getting ever closer to where I have always wanted to be artistically. At the moment, I would describe my paintings and drawings as if they came from a dark children’s book, which is definitely suitable for adults too. The style of my drawings came about because I used to draw a lot on the train on my way to the studio; as the train journey is quite bumpy, it’s almost impossible to draw precise lines, which taught me to shape a figure out of the chaos of lines.

What do you get up to outside your studies?

I play the guitar and quite enjoy reading; otherwise, I go boxing regularly/ kickboxing, and twice a year I might go out to dance to some good drum and bass . But I spend most of my time painting and drawing at home or in my studio.

How did you come across the Student Art Market and what has been your experience?

A very good friend told me about you.

Have you had any particular experiences with a customer?

Not yet, but there’s always a chance that might happen! :)

Here’s one last question – feel free to answer intuitively:

Black and white or colour? Colour! But black and white is cool too.