Liebe Painting

Sebastian Roese is a German painter from Wolfsburg. He integrates modern digital technology and his knowledge of image composition and color theory, gained from his training as a graphic designer, into the conception of his visual worlds. His painting style has evolved in recent years from abstract expressionism through geometric abstraction to allegorical realism with futuristic pictorial elements. His works are becoming increasingly figurative, more detailed, and significantly more time-consuming and elaborate to produce. Reflecting on the volatile nature of our times, he seeks to develop inquisitive and contemplative visual concepts. His aim is not so much to accuse or condemn, but rather to document challenges and tensions and to make visible psychological and spiritual components. His current visual world reveals the darker aspects of a highly developed era, but also offers hope and confidence for eternity. In his artistic practice and research, Sebastian connects the real world with the transcendental. Through continuous self-study of art history, the Bible, and literature from philosophy, psychology, and sociology, he seeks inspiration and impulses for his work. His work is strongly influenced by biblical themes, abstract expressionism, and artists such as Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning. He also draws on the influences of Old Masters like Hieronymus Bosch and Peter Paul Rubens, as well as modern artists such as Francis Bacon and Paul Klee. To better understand the work of a wide variety of artists, he regularly visits museums and art galleries. Sebastian produces canvas paintings in oil or acrylic. He contrasts realistic pictorial elements with gestural brushstrokes. He paints his oil paintings in the traditional way, using multiple layers or alla prima. His acrylic paintings are also painted alla prima and employ sophisticated masking techniques. He works with brushes, rollers, palette knives, and sponges. His work is not solely about the emotional experience of viewing a painting. While the visual intensity is important to him, he doesn't aim to entertain, but rather to stimulate profound self-reflection — self-reflection in the face of eternity. The profane holds no interest for him, and he believes that viewers of his visual world should also experience the truly important truths for their lives.