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Writer's pictureMona Lerch

Weekly Wonder Woman | Women United ART PRIZE 2022 Finalists Edition - Monika Allesch

Bremen / Germany


Born and raised near Munich, the 26-year-old is currently studying fine art in Katrin von Maltzahn's class at the University of the Arts in Bremen. She works primarily with prints, paintings, photography and texts - and is particularly enthusiastic about drypoint etching. Before studying fine art, she studied communication design and graduated with a Bachelor's degree, but she wasn't free enough in that and making art was always a great need for her. Strong emotions determine her everyday life. Her perception of the world has always been very intense. Strong emotions come with great pain towards everything, and she often sees that as something distressing. But that is exactly what drives her to make art.


Precisely because my way of perceiving the world is so wonderful and painful simultaneously, I have recognized the major role that ambivalence plays in life in general - and how important it is for me to deal with it. And that's why ambivalence is a big theme in my art. The themes of every day and the ambivalence characterize my works. I capture seemingly insignificant or ambiguous moments with my very own perspective, am fascinated by the (apparently) normal and would like to sharpen awareness of the small moments that make up life. For me, happiness does not lie in grand gestures and extraordinary things but in existence itself. Every moment is precious when you open your eyes to it. Ambivalence, in particular, is a constant part of our lives, and many people, myself included, find it difficult to deal with it. That's why I consciously face the contradictions and put ambiguity in my work.



Who are you (tell us briefly about yourself)?


I am Monika Allesch, 26 years old and an art student in Bremen. Before studying fine art, I studied communication design and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. But I wasn't free enough in my communication design studies. In the background, there was always the urge, the need to be an independent artist. I finally decided to dedicate myself fully to art because that's what I've always wanted.


What inspires your art practice?


Strong emotions determine my everyday life. My perception of the world has always been very intense. But precisely because my way of perceiving the world is so wonderful and painful at the same time, I have recognized the major role that ambivalence plays in life in general - and how important it is for me to deal with it. And that's why ambivalence is a big theme in my art and inspiration.


What drives you to keep going every day?


Overall, it's effortless for me to motivate myself. I was always full of energy when it came to working. My problem is the opposite: I often don't take enough breaks. Sometimes you need a break and new impressions, and then the motivation returns.


What's the number one advice to fellow women artists?


Just start. As soon as you start, many things happen by themselves. And: trust yourself and your own rhythm.




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