Artospective: Pop Surrealism by Lioba Brückner from Germany.

Here in this world she changed her life. - 60x60cm.

An Interview with Lioba Brückner.

Who and where are you from?

My name is Lioba Brückner and I'm an artist from Germany. I am born in Oberhausen, a city in the middle of the multicultural Ruhr Area, where I still live and work.

How did you get into this?

I was always drawn to art and I can't remember a time where I wouldn't draw or scribble something. In school, I was the one that drove teachers crazy because I wouldn't stop drawing during classes. My first influences were Louis Royo, who's work I discovered in the local comic store and animes like Dragonball Z and Pokemon inspired me to draw in a more Manga like fashion. I discovered that I loved the blend of realism and an illustrative style. In school, I also met my life partner who I ask to teach me how to draw properly and how to paint with oil colors. Luckily, he agreed! The following time I spent with learning and it took me about 5-6 years until I was finally happy with my artwork and I would build a website and show it online.

What is your driving force?

My driving force is more like an urge: If I don't draw or paint for a couple of days I feel restless! Also, I'm constantly inspired by the beauty around me. If I see beautiful roses, women or girls while I'm outside I already imagine how I would paint their faces and how I would mix their skin tones and which medium I would choose. Then I already experience the satisfying flow of my watercolors or the vibrant colors of my oil paints and I can't wait to start painting!

What kind of work you do and why?

My work is called pop surrealism or new contemporary art. But I didn't know that until 2 years ago! I discovered this movement on Instagram and immediately knew that I found a group of art and artists that I belong to.

I paint mostly romantic portraits of women which sometimes tend more into a fantastic direction, sometimes more to realism. And nature always plays a major part in my paintings: my compositions includes butterflies, roses, foliage or birds because they inspire me on a daily basis in my little studio garden.

I create art because, for me, it is the most enjoyable way to express myself. Some people express their selfs through fashion, through writing or through a thousand other things. For me, it is creating visions of a fantastic realm, a dream world that let you escape from the harsh reality.