JESSIKA DIRKS,
BASED IN HANOVER, G
Foto Saskia Karl
SHE/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
Since 2025, I have been studying in David Zink Yi's class, Sculpture at the Braunschweig University of Art (my focus: installation, multimedia sculpture, painting, video, concept) and I also studied fine art and philosophy at the University of Hildesheim, Germany, under Karl Möller (master student of R. Dörfler), focusing on painting, drawing and installation (BA, 2009–2013) and successfully completed a Master's degree in Design at HAWK Hildesheim, Germany, focusing on graphics, illustration, printing technology, book art, design ethics and philosophy (2014–2016) (nominated for the graduate award, final grade 1.0). I worked as a lecturer in design philosophy (HAWK, Hildesheim, 2022/23), and I also worked as a lecturer in the Hildesheim Art Talent Promotion Programme (2014/15) and as an illustrator (2012–2016), among other things.
My studies in philosophy and fine arts not only provided me with practical skills, but also a deep understanding of aesthetic theories and critical thinking, which informs my artistic work. The combination of art and philosophy allows me to view complex topics from different perspectives and to cultivate exploration and discovery in my art.
exhibitions solo/duo
2026 ICH:MEDIUM, Galerie im Stammelbachspeicher, Hildesheim (D)
2026 [Titel folgt], Worbswede (D)
2026 Resorektion, Hannover (D)
2025 ICH:MEDIUM, Ateliers in der Schulenburgerlandstraße 152f, Hannover (D)
2025 Subjekt unbekannt, Ateliers in der Schulenburgerlandstraße 152f, Hannover (D)
2024 Du sollst schön sein, Kwartier Nord, Hannover (D)
2022 SCHAM[LOS], artothek, Hannover (D)
exhibitions
2025 Winterausstellung, artothek, Hannover (D)
2025 ALLE GEGEN ALLE, KONG, HANNOVER (D)
2025 Winterausstellung, HBK Braunschweig (D)
2025 Zinnober, Ateliers in der Schulenburgerlandstraße 152f, Hannover (D)
2025 Aus dem Orbit, Kwartier Nord, Hannover (D)
2025 Ist ANDERS SEIN das NEUE NORMAL?, Produzentengalerie 4h/art, Hannover (D)
2024 Winterausstellung, artothek, Hannover (D)
2024 ALLE GEGEN ALLE, KONG, HANNOVER (D)
2024 ZINNOBER HANNOVER, Kwartier Nord, Hannover (D)
publications
2022 FREMDKÖRPER, TANKE, Hannover (D)
collection/gallery
since 2022 artist of artothek Hannover (D)