Hans-Guenter Hoeffken

My art is an escape from ego, an act of selflessness on the canvas. Colors are applied seemingly aimlessly and then removed again. Models serve only as a pretext for painting; my works emerge beyond academic norms.
I paint out of pure joy. A photograph does not reveal the essence like painting does. My creation is not for pleasing others but satisfies an inner longing. It's not about the image but about the creative process, whose significance emerges in the eye of the beholder.
Höffken currently works at KunstKwartier44 in Cologne Rodenkirchen.

Hans-Günter Höffken, born in 1956, can look back on a fascinating artistic journey shaped by a multifaceted life path. His journey began with a geography degree, which, through internships in India and Tonga among others, not only imparted a deep understanding of the interconnections of social and natural scientific aspects but also sharpened his eye for the beauty and diversity of our world.

After his studies, Höffken worked worldwide as a tour manager, leading him to countries such as Ecuador, Tibet, Bhutan, Australia, and New Zealand. These travel experiences provided the groundwork for his intensive engagement with photography, where he not only captured unique moments but also developed a profound connection to visual art.

About 15 years ago, Höffken decided to unleash his creative instincts and began painting. The professor of painting at the Academy of Fine Arts, Prof. Rudi Tröger, played a crucial role in this, encouraging Höffken in his artistic endeavors. The encounter with Prof. Tröger marked a pivotal moment in his artistic development.

Participation in the studio project in Munich represented another milestone, enabling not only the refinement of his techniques but also fostering creative exchange with like-minded i...