A chat with Konstanze Viez

Our Mover & Shaker for this month is Konstanze Viez, the artist behind New Vision 97. If this name rings a bell to you, it is probably because you have seen her amazing artwork in some of our German hotels, or in our Instagram giveaway (congrats again to the lucky winner!). Kostanze creates unique and colourful artworks using cardboard, paper, plastic and metal to create a collage, primarily on MDF panels rather than canvas. The collage is then rounded off with napkins and clear varnish. She describes her way of creating collages as Repuestos-Art®: the art of small parts. Read on to get to know Konstanze, her straight up opinion on garden gnomes and more. 

 

Penta: What do you think of garden gnomes? 

Konstanze: To be honest, I’m not such a fan of garden gnomes. We have a big garden but you won't find any garden gnomes there! Often you can only buy garden gnomes that (sorry to say it) look a bit cheesy… and I don't like cheesy things. 

 

P: Where do you feel most at home? Where is your ‘hood?  

K: I feel most comfortable with people who understand me and my art, and who take me as I am. This is my family first and foremost. I also like to be at home alone with my thoughts. If I can then devote my thoughts fully to my artistic work, everything is perfect. 

 

P: Tell us about a project that is keeping you busy in this period.  

K: At the moment I am busy putting together collages for the Pentahotel Kassel. My husband and I will be there shortly to have a look at the space for hanging the collages and I am already collecting material for the individual topics. I will then create the collages over the next few months of winter. In addition to my job in a pharmacy, I am also studying graphic design at the ILS in Hamburg. 

 

P: Who are your role models?  

K: My artistic role models are the artists of the 1950s and 1960s who co-founded pop art. These include Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and James Rosenquist for example. My personal role model is my grandma, who has shaped my path in life very much. Conversations with her always pointed me in the right direction. 

 

P: You have ten seconds to tell our readers why they should check you out.  

K: I love colourful pictures! If you love them too, then check out my collages because they will definitely make you happy. 

 

P: Who is the last person you called?  

K: My twin sister - twins have a very special bond with each other! 

 

P: Pizza or burgers?  

K: When I read this question, I immediately think of Penta's Bacon Cheese Burger. So I guess there’s your answer!