IRIS KOHLWEISS

Austrian artist Iris Kohlweiss focuses her work on exploring human perception and the construction of reality. In her series Realm Translations, for example, she uses translucent materials and overlapping geometric shapes to illustrate the subjective nature of how we perceive our surroundings. Through painting, drawing, and object art, she examines the ways we interpret the world, centering the human body as the primary organ of perception. Her works invite viewers to engage deeply with the complex mechanisms of perception, shaped by neurological, cognitive, and physical experiences.

The Dynamic Nature of Reality

A key theme in Kohlweiss' work is the fluid and dynamic nature of reality, which she sees as a personal construct. This concept is expressed through her art: by layering geometric forms and translucent elements, she creates fields of tension where each layer adds a new level of experience and influences those beneath it—like a visual echo that illustrates how our perception is constantly shaped by external influences. The result is art that encourages viewers to continually rediscover it.

Creative Process

Kohlweiss' creative process is guided by the idea of continuous connection. This approach is especially evident in her large-scale drawings, where she layers forms and colors to create new reference points, helping her maintain symmetry along a central axis. Her works are characterized by a complex interplay of influences, developments, and relationships that form an intricate network.

Kohlweiss often approaches her creations with architectural precision, as seen in her work Structural Echoes, where she carefully calculates spatial relationships and measurements to create a stable composition. She measures distances, balances proportions, and calculates structural relationships to build a solid foundation for her artistic work. At the same time, she engages in an intuitive, painterly process, applying forms to paper with steady, even pressure using colored pencils. This combination of careful planning and spontaneous intuition gives her work a unique depth and vibrancy.

The Body as a Bridge

In Kohlweiss' work, the body serves as both a perceptual and expressive tool, a resonant chamber, and a bridge between the inner and outer worlds. She examines the body as a site where sensory experiences are processed and interpreted, while the external environment is shaped by internal representations and perceptions. Her works bridge the material world and the subtle dimensions of existence, making invisible connections visible and reflecting the delicate yet powerful relationship between the physical body, the cosmos, and the subtle aspects of being—such as the interaction between physiological processes and cosmic rhythms that shape our perception and experience.

Organic Forms and Viewer Response

Organic forms that resemble neural pathways, organs, or anatomical sections symbolize these deep connections. These structures resonate with viewers on a physical level, evoking an instinctive response due to their resemblance to neural networks and anatomical patterns, which trigger a visceral recognition of the body's internal systems. Many viewers also find a meditative quality in her work, describing it as calming. This aesthetic, which reflects both the body's inner workings and the interconnectedness of life, encourages reflection on our physical and metaphysical connections to the world.

Measuring the Intangible

A recurring theme in Kohlweiss' work is the question of how mental, sensory, and experiential realms can be measured. She addresses this by using layered, transparent materials and intersecting forms that visually represent the complexity and intangible nature of subjective experiences. While her approach to physical forms and distances is straightforward, the real challenge lies in capturing what is imperceptible, immaterial, and connected to sensory and emotional experiences. Can we measure the depth of a thought or quantify the intensity of an emotion? These questions run through her art, connecting visible structures with the ineffable content of her works.

Beyond Mathematical Precision

Through her art, Kohlweiss seeks to create a form of measurement that transcends mathematical precision—much like how music conveys emotions beyond what can be written in notation. She invites viewers to develop their own ways of understanding the mental, sensory, and experiential dimensions of reality. Her artistic practice is an ongoing conversation between form, color, and meaning, leading to a deeper understanding of human existence. By exploring themes of perception, identity, and the construction of reality, she offers insights into the complex nature of human experience.