Mari Kempf — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

https://marikempf.com/

Mari Kempf’s art occupies a space where the instinctual and the meditative collide, producing works that are as visceral as they are deeply philosophical. Born in Berlin in 1987 and raised in the tranquil countryside of northern Germany, Kempf’s artistic vision is profoundly shaped by her dual upbringing. This interplay between the urban and the rural finds subtle echoes in her work—a dialogue between structured forms and liberated chaos, between silence and energy, between precision and spontaneity.

Although acrylic painting intrigued her in her youth, Kempf’s foray into the medium only became a defining force in her life more recently. Entirely self-taught, she approaches her craft with an exploratory curiosity that rejects the confinements of academic convention. For Kempf, painting is not merely an act of creation; it is a meditative process, a pathway to personal growth and emotional discovery. This philosophy permeates her art, allowing viewers to witness not only the finished works but also the emotional and intellectual journey that birthed them.

Her works are a testament to the power of abstraction—forms and gestures that eschew representation to instead evoke raw emotion and layered meaning. Kempf’s oeuvre celebrates the act of breaking free from the “invisibly prescribed conventions” of societal norms. Her artistic process, often beginning with a single impulse or visual element, unfolds organically, leading to compositions that encapsulate the fleeting emotional states of specific moments in her life. It is this immediacy and authenticity that lend her art its universal appeal, resonating deeply with audiences across cultures and contexts.

Let us delve into some of her key works to uncover the threads that connect her artistic practice and explore why Kempf’s art holds such profound relevance for contemporary society.

In "Aufbruch," a diptych painted in 2024, Kempf presents a work that feels like an invocation of transformation. The intersecting lines and dynamic splashes of color—primarily red, blue, and earthy tones—create an energy that suggests both movement and tension. The textured layers, achieved through meticulous layering and scraping, invite the viewer to trace the journey of the paint as though it were charting a narrative of breaking free. “Aufbruch” becomes a visual metaphor for the act of starting anew—of leaving behind and stepping forward. The symmetry of the two panels suggests dualities: past and future, action and reflection. Yet, the composition’s imperfections and rawness ground the piece in reality, reminding us that growth is neither linear nor flawless.

"Engel," from 2023, utilizes acrylic paint and wax crayon to create a composition imbued with a haunting delicacy. The interplay between structured and chaotic forms evokes the fragility and complexity of the human condition. The ethereal lines seem almost like whispers against the boldness of the background, calling to mind the tension between celestial aspirations and earthly struggles. This work feels intensely personal, yet its openness allows each viewer to project their own emotional experiences onto it, making "Engel" a work of profound universality.

"Kraft" (2024) is another standout piece in Kempf’s collection. With bold applications of blue and gold against a vibrant red background, Kempf harnesses the power of contrast to convey vitality and resilience. The painting’s physicality—achieved through the use of palette knives and thick, almost sculptural strokes—reflects its title, which translates to "Strength." Yet, amidst the dominance of form and texture, there is a sense of balance, as though Kempf’s creation carries the weight of both fragility and fortitude. It’s a reminder that strength, in its truest form, embraces vulnerability.

In "Labyrinth" (2024), Kempf invites the viewer into a web of interlocking lines and moody, subdued hues. This painting seems to speak to the complexity of human decision-making and the paths we navigate in life. The layered brushstrokes create a surface that appears both intricate and enigmatic. Here, Kempf is not offering solutions or clear answers; instead, she prompts contemplation. The labyrinth is both a visual and philosophical construct, a space for viewers to lose themselves and, perhaps, find clarity in the process.

The aquatic themes in "Meeresrauschen" (2023) and "Unterwasserwelten" (2023) demonstrate Kempf’s ability to capture the fluidity and dynamism of water through the medium of acrylic paint. "Meeresrauschen" (“Sound of the Sea”) captures the rhythmic pulse of ocean waves, with layers of blues and greens interspersed with hints of white and gold. The effect is one of serene movement, as if the canvas itself were breathing. "Unterwasserwelten" (“Underwater Worlds”) takes this further, immersing the viewer in a world that feels otherworldly yet organic. The undulating forms and vivid interplay of light and shadow evoke the mysteries of the deep sea, a realm that is as much about imagination as it is about nature.

In "Wetterleuchten" (2023), Kempf uses structural paste and acrylic paint to create a highly textured composition that evokes the fleeting drama of a storm. The interplay of light and dark, combined with the ridged texture of the paste, mimics the way lightning illuminates the sky. Here, Kempf captures not only the physicality of a weather phenomenon but also its emotional resonance—the anticipation, awe, and fleeting beauty of nature’s raw power.

Mari Kempf’s art can be compared to that of the Abstract Expressionist pioneer, Jackson Pollock. Like Pollock, Kempf places great emphasis on the process of creation, allowing intuition and gesture to guide her work. Pollock’s "action painting," which prioritized the physical act of painting over the final product, finds a parallel in Kempf’s meditative approach to art as an emotional and spiritual journey. However, while Pollock’s works are often explosive and chaotic, Kempf’s paintings balance dynamism with a contemplative stillness, creating a sense of harmony even in moments of visual tension. Her art, like Pollock’s, is an unfiltered expression of the inner self, yet her pieces are more intimate and reflective, offering viewers a space for introspection rather than confrontation.

What sets Kempf apart is her ability to weave her personal narrative into universal themes. Where Pollock was the product of a mid-century avant-garde movement rooted in rebellion against tradition, Kempf emerges as a voice of introspection in a world saturated with noise. Her works feel like a much-needed pause, a reminder of the beauty in slowing down, in engaging deeply with one’s own thoughts and emotions. This philosophical undercurrent—a dialogue between freedom and structure, chaos and order—is what makes Kempf’s art both timeless and profoundly relevant.

Mari Kempf’s art captivates through its unique ability to convey emotion and form in perfect harmony. Her work is deeply textural, with layers of paint transforming the canvas into a tactile landscape that beckons the viewer to explore beyond the surface. The intricate use of texture provides a visceral connection to her pieces, making them feel alive and dynamic. This physicality, combined with her use of acrylics, demonstrates an intuitive understanding of how materials can evoke both emotion and depth.

The interplay of color in Kempf’s paintings reveals a thoughtful balance between bold intensity and gentle subtlety. She juxtaposes saturated, vibrant hues with muted, softer tones, creating a rhythmic visual dialogue that captures the complexities of human emotion. Her palette feels intuitive yet intentional, where every shade contributes to the overall narrative. The result is a deeply engaging visual experience that resonates on both intellectual and emotional levels.

Kempf’s approach to materials often transcends traditional boundaries. Her use of structural elements within her works adds dimensionality, creating compositions that feel almost sculptural. This innovative method reflects her self-taught background, where experimentation takes precedence over conformity, and the creative process becomes a form of discovery. The integration of these unconventional techniques highlights her commitment to pushing the limits of her medium.

At its core, Kempf\u2019s art is a profound exploration of the human experience. Her pieces invite viewers to bring their own interpretations and emotions, fostering a deeply personal connection. By refusing to impose meaning and instead offering open-ended narratives, Kempf transforms her canvases into spaces for introspection. Her art transcends the visual, becoming a meditative journey that speaks to the universal aspects of existence while remaining deeply rooted in her individual perspective. Through this, she solidifies her place as a bold and vital voice in contemporary abstraction.

Mari Kempf is not just an artist but a visionary. Her works are not merely paintings; they are dialogues between emotion and form, between chaos and order, between the self and the world. By drawing upon her unique background and embracing her status as an autodidact, Kempf has forged a path that is entirely her own. Her art reminds us of the power of authenticity and the importance of embracing the unknown. In doing so, Kempf has established herself as a vital voice in contemporary art, one whose works will undoubtedly continue to inspire and provoke for years to come. She compels us to break free from the ordinary and immerse ourselves in a realm of profound reflection, boundless discovery, and limitless potential.

By Marta Puig

Editor Contemporary Art Curator Magazine