Interview with Jan Kuhlemeier

Jan Kuhlemeier - Thicker than water at Artcan Gallery in Marseille 

First of all, how are you doing? The past year has undoubtedly been an exciting time for you, especially with winning the Fentener van Vlissingen Award and the opportunity to travel to Indonesia for your first museum exhibition at the Singer Museum in Laren. Can you tell us more about your experience there? Was this your first time in Indonesia?

JK: I'm doing well, but I've had a busy period with a number of shows in quick succession, which caused some stress. Now it's time for a period of more rest. I need to get things in order, finish setting up my new studio, and do some research for new works.

How has winning the award influenced your artistic career? Have you received interest from other museums after this recognition?

JK: Winning the award has definitely influenced my career. After the show, I noticed that there was a growing interest in my work. My work has ended up in a number of nice collections, so I can't complain. I'm in talks with a museum for a possible show in the future, but I'm not going to say too much about that yet.

After your trip to Indonesia, you took the opportunity to vacation in Portugal and go surfing. Has this experience provided you with new inspiration for your artwork? Can you tell us about the influence of surfing on your creative process?

JK: After the exhibition at the Singer-Laren, I definitely took some time off. I went on a camper trip through Portugal and Southern Spain with my girlfriend. We discovered many beautiful places and also surfed some new waves! I think surfing is very meditative for me. You have long periods of waiting for the right wave and then suddenly you have to pull out all the stops to catch it when it finally comes. So from your rest you have to be able to switch on suddenly. I think this also happens with making choices about which layers I want to apply. This can sometimes take a long time and often involves a lot of testing. But once I've made my decision, it has to happen right away, which often involves a lot of action and material.

Of course, the travels I make also have a lot of influence on the colors I use and the transparencies I work with. I also often try to translate the actions of certain energies and forms directly into my work. I try to see sunsets as much as possible because the play of light and color still fascinates me enormously and is always slightly different each time.

Jan Kuhlemeier - Thicker than water at Artcan Gallery in Marseille 

You currently also have a large solo exhibition in Marseille. How are the reactions to your art there? The exhibition looks fantastic! Can you tell us about the themes or concepts you explore in this exhibition?

JK: The reactions at the opening were certainly positive and very nice to hear. People there recognize pieces of my work in their own way and link them to their own experiences of the Mediterranean Sea. I wanted to show a number of different series next to each other, some with very thick layers and relief and some smooth and flat. I always think it's important not to just make and show one kind of series, but to keep challenging yourself and keep looking for all the other possibilities. That's why I also work on multiple series at the same time in my studio. Most of the time, this all comes together in an exhibition, as happened in Marseille.

Many works for this show are still inspired by Indonesia. The time I had there is still fresh in my memory and doesn't let me go completely. So I think it will continue to flow into my work in the coming time.

As an avid surfer, what is your favorite surf spot and why?

JK: Wow, I don't think there is one. All waves are just different, some more challenging and others just a little easier and smoother. The wave that stands out the most in my memory is "Ombak Tidur", a wave in the Mentawai Islands where I was recently. The clear turquoise water and the combination of very transparent waves are still on my retina. Maybe also because I experienced the most fear here while surfing. (2 weeks after I surfed here, someone else died on this surf spot.)

We have heard that you have a passion for fusion cuisine, such as the delicious mix of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine that we recently enjoyed. What is your favorite dish or fusion restaurant?

JK: Haha, well I don't really have a passion for fusion cuisine. I can't think of my favorite dish right now either.

What else can we expect from you in 2024? Are there any new projects or exciting developments that you are looking forward to?

JK: I do have a few things planned. I still have to wait and see if they all go through and work out. But if they do, it will be a busy year again! :)

We now have several of your works in our private collection. Are there other collectors who can't get enough of them and keep coming back for new works?

JK: There are definitely a number of collectors who already have several of my works. I think one collector even has 8 or 9 at the moment! And a number of other collectors also have more than 1 or 2. Many of my collectors actually have multiple works of mine.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us, Jan. We look forward to seeing more beautiful artwork and adventures from you!

Jan Kuhlemeier - Thicker than water at Artcan Gallery in Marseille