VON WOLFE

b. 1966, Dartmoor, UK

Lives and works in London, UK

 

Von Wolfe has been influenced and attracted to German Romanticism, where he finds the “re-imagination” in a contemporary context most appealing – the intense “new philosophy” embodied in German art during the Romantic period has captivated him. For instances, the Romantic era's profound exploration of emotion and individualism, exemplified by artists like Casper David Friedrich and Philipp Otto Runge, as well as the color theory pioneered by Goethe, has deeply resonated with him.

 

While Von Wolfe appreciates the artistic movements of German Romanticism and French Neo-classicism, his interests span a broader spectrum. He is particularly drawn to eras rich in artistic character, such as the Renaissance and the Netherlands School of the 16th century. These historical periods, he explains, provide a wealth of stylistic and thematic elements that are ripe for reinterpretation in a contemporary context. By integrating these historical elements with the emotive depth of German Romanticism, Von Wolfe creates a tapestry of work that is both deeply rooted in history and distinctly modern.

 

It is this rich historical context that Von Wolfe seeks to reimagine and reinterpret through the lens of his contemporary artistic practice, which fuses traditional techniques with cutting-edge digital technologies. He utilizes algorithmic diffusion models and node-based AI systems to create works that transcend historical limitations, serving as a bridge between disparate eras. The artist navigates the intersection of the digital and the physical realms, adapting and reinterpreting meticulously curated artworks. He treats the digital and the canvas medium with equal reverence, rendering them seamlessly in oil paint to create harmonious and interconnected pieces.