JESSIKA DIRKS,
BASED IN HANOVER, G
Foto Saskia Karl
HER
My art is a deep look into the inner life - an exploration of feelings and states that oscillate between alienation and self-empowerment, beauty and ugliness, bliss and deep sadness.
I pose central philosophical questions about existence and uncover hidden aspects that open up possibilities for a new, self-determined identity beyond shame. At the same time, I name the fragility of all existence and open up a space in which consolation and healing can take place.
These themes run through my work in various forms and series. They form the cornerstones of a radical self-examination and the exploration of identity, vulnerability and being a woman* and a human being.
In this way, I hopefully transfer personal suffering as a collective state of being into a public discourse.
I paint, I write, I bring knowledge into the world in a tangible way and place viewers opposite themselves in text, image, spatial and sound installations. My work always grows into the space in which it wants to be shown. Exhibition and mediation concepts are therefore an important aspect of my work.
EDUCATION
I studied Fine Arts and Philosophy at the University of Hildesheim, Germany under Karl Möller (master student of R. Dörfler) with a focus on painting, drawing, installation (BA, 2009-2013) and completed a Master in Design at HAWK Hildesheim, Germany with a focus on graphics, illustration, printmaking, book art, design ethics and philosophy (2014-2016). I was a lecturer in design philosophy (HAWK, Hildesheim, 2022/23) and also worked as a lecturer in the Hildesheim Art Gifted Programme (2014/15) and as an illustrator (2012-2016).
My studies in philosophy and fine arts have not only given me practical skills, but also a deep understanding of aesthetic theories and critical thinking, which enriches my artistic work. The combination of art and philosophy allows me to look at complex issues from different angles and reflect on them in my art.