The Georgian artist Sopio Kiknavelidze studied art at the State Academy of Art in Tbilisi (Tiflis) from 2006 to 2010 and graduated with a Bachelor's degree. As an illustrator with a background as a painter, she illustrates children's books and websites, is at home in social media, and occasionally works as a muralist. Sopio lives in Jülich and works here as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, while also providing art and craft lessons to children with developmental disorders. Since mid-2023, she has been a member of the Jülich Art Association, has had a studio space in the cultural workshop of the art association since last year, and also offers creative painting courses there.
Kiknavelidze's paintings are often influenced by nature. Birds and horses are represented, as well as water and water lilies. She primarily paints with egg tempera, a very old technique that became quite popular and widespread in the Middle Ages and early Renaissance period. The main reason was the longevity of tempera paintings. The color mixture of egg yolk and pigments applied to a chalk ground is carefully sanded down by Sopio after the drying of her paintings, giving the images a slightly veiled appearance. Tempera paintings are characterized by their vibrant colors, of which visitors to the exhibition can now convince themselves.
Gerold Malß, on the other hand, turned to artistic creation late. After a multi-year phase in spatial planning and object design in the late 80s and early 90s, he spent 20 years in pure administrative work. However, the desire to be creative was ever-present during this time, leading to the creation of some interesting works, including "Elektra," a two-meter-high sculpture made from discarded circuit boards and computer parts, which is now on display. He fully dedicated himself to art in 2020 after moving to Jülich. A basic vocational training provided the necessary tools to prove himself as a self-taught artist in creating art objects. Courses at the Heimbach Art Academy in collage techniques, poliment gilding, and calligraphy expanded his skills.
Malß's works include both analog and digital collages, which often have three-dimensional structures, as well as sculptures and objects. The materials used mostly come from discarded components, disposable items, and circuit boards. His works often have a political background. Preferred themes concern the state of our Earth, starting from climate protection, species extinction, and resource wastage. But topics like integration, discrimination, and gender equality are also reflected in his works. In the current exhibition, Gerold presents a small selection of his collages as well as the sculpture "Elektra" along with a video on resource wastage.
The vernissage will take place on Saturday, April 5th at 12 PM. The opening hours of the cultural workshop are Thursday from 3-6 PM and Saturday from 11 AM-2 PM. Admission is free.
On April 9th and 10th, a joint course by Sopio and Gerold will take place in the cultural workshop, focusing on collages, structure pastes, and painting with egg tempera. Please direct inquiries to info@kunstverein-juelich.de or by phone at 0171-3508457.
