New York Phone: 347-230-8464
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Ekkehard Stoevesand was born on June 25th. 1946 in Berlin, the post-war destroyed city. He grew up in Berlin where he still lives and works - unless he is working abroad, in America, China or giving symposia in Europe.
His artistic life as a sculptor and painter could be characterized as continuous departure. At the same time, it shows different versions of an impulsive escape, as Ekkehard had to escape his parental home as a young man.
After leaving school, he had a formal arts education at the Universitat der Kunste in Berlin, though it was never a formative influence on his way of working and his style. But how could a man of his character bear categorization?
Ekkehard is a hard worker, even under difficult conditions. Merciless with himself - the same attitude with his weekly running training: up to the limit of his capability. Until now, he hasn't given himself a chance to rest. In addition to all this, he teaches untiringly.
The character of his work:
Its expression is defiant, obstinate, its detail shows loving precision. The artist doesn't waste any words on his paintings and sculptures.
According to his age and career, Ekkehard Stoevesand would have been a member of the third post-war generation in Berlin: amongst Heinz Trokes, Alexander Camarow, Werner Heldt, E.W.Nay, Hans Uhlmann and Karl Hartung whose work expresses the creative power of post-war Berlin. Following, yet still related to their art, were the painters Otto Eglau, D.F. Holzmann, C.H.Kliemann. After these artists, the art world changed completely, not only in Berlin. It seemed the earth would suddenly turn in a new direction: The abstract, or rather the non-representational took over the world of art - with repercussions on the collectors and the market. Within this generation and its views, Ekkehard Stoevesand has set his own example and established his own place.
Ekkehard strong colorful compositions take the opposite direction of abstraction. He does not abstract from something to something "new". Rather, he creates something new in complete freedom and, in the 'second view' so to speak, discovers in his paintings new realities, vistas, spheres and spaces, shadows and blazes.
Ekkehard's shows are mostly solo, rarely in group exhibitions, always a loner, urgent and clear. His work is all about the power of colors. Confronted with his art - mostly in large format, but also in smaller format - the observer senses its unaggressive but inescapable urge. Ekkehard Stoevesand is not one to shirk at 'affront'.
In Stovesand's paintings there is a lot of experience and background. His paintings are not 'comfortable' and they may not offer security. However, for the curious eye, there is a lot to discover: The artistic style and gestures - these are unmistakably powerful, impetuous and eventful - in the field of association, powerful on the threshold of abstraction. His visual experiences turn into objects. The observer aims for insight beyond internalized conceptions of beauty. This is where love for the compositions arises.
Stovesand's work does not lead us to compare:
There is only one Ekkehard Stovesand - and none else.
