Work group I · 8 works
Self-Image and Inner Strength
Self-perception, protection and liberation as an inner stance
In this group of works, the portrait becomes a space of negotiation. Rike Wölke does not paint fixed identities but moments in which the self reasserts itself: the liberating release in “Frei,” the consistent boundary in “None of your Business,” the gentle self-care in “Selbstliebender Mohn” and the quiet assurance in “Tief in sich ruhendes Vertrauen.” It is always the inner stance that organizes the expression.
Color takes on the function of an emotional signal. Red, pink, turquoise and green mark strength, protection, vulnerability and inner movement; masks, closed eyes and symbolic animals make visible what continues behind outward appearance.
Curatorial Perspective
I
Description
Portraits of women between protection and liberation: closed eyes, masks, blossoms, goldfish and symbolic animals. Strong red, pink, turquoise and green meet precisely drawn faces. The formats reach up to 150 × 90 cm and 130 × 130 cm.
II
Idea
The portrait becomes a space in which the self is negotiated. “Frei” stands for breaking boundaries, “None of your Business” for clear boundaries, “Selbstliebender Mohn” for self-care, “Tief in sich ruhendes Vertrauen” for quiet confidence. In every case, the inner attitude defines the expression.
III
Context
Wölke combines expressive figuration with mixed-media techniques: charcoal drawing, spray paint, inks, gold leaf, stucco relief and epoxy resin. The works stand between Expressionism and contemporary portrait painting while keeping a very personal signature.
IV
What sets it apart
“Fühl nichts – Glaub nichts,” “Sag nichts – Denk nichts” and “Seh nichts – Hör nichts” (each 85 × 60 cm, acrylic with partial epoxy resin) form the goldfish trilogy. It works individually and as a closed ensemble. “Tief in sich ruhendes Vertrauen” features gold leaf and stucco relief.
V
For collectors & spaces
For collectors, these works show an especially concentrated side of Wölke’s position: figuratively striking, emotionally layered and with a strong presence in the room. The portraits act as independent counterparts; as a closed ensemble, the goldfish trilogy also gains a particular narrative density.