Kerstin Arnold

Between light and shadow: stories told in colour In my art, reality and symbolism merge into a visual narrative about the challenges and beauties of life. My works are a window into a world that is at once personal and universal - characterised by strength, resilience and the ability to find hope in the darkest moments. Each painting invites the viewer to pause, draw connections and reflect on the fundamental questions of being human. Influenced by my own experiences - the escape from a regime, the new start in a foreign country and the struggles for mental and physical strength - themes such as freedom, boundaries and the fragility of life flow into my work. I often work with symbols that seem familiar at first glance, but reveal deeper layers of thinking and feeling. Dismantled dolls, chains or old theatre posters tell of imprisonment and the search for self-determination. Vanitas motifs such as skulls and beetles are reminders of transience, while bright colours radiate hope and joie de vivre - a balance between melancholy and optimism that drives me. My paintings are almost realistic in order to give the viewer the opportunity to draw their own parallels and find themselves in the pictures. Through this precise language, I create a bridge between what is observed and what is felt, between individual experience and collective narratives. I am not only interested in depicting beauty, but also in inviting people to reflect on themes such as community, strength and the ability to change. I see my art as a space in which stories come to life that encourage us to grow beyond ourselves. It challenges us to accept both the absurdities of life and its deepest joys and to look forward with courage and confidence. In a world that is often polarised and hectic, I hope to contribute to a culture of reflection, respect and connection through my work.