Juno Rothaug’s first solo exhibition at Weserhalle, titled “Point your Toes and Look Alive,” presents a series of new works by the Hamburg-based artist. The exhibited pieces range from large canvases spanning almost three meters to more intimate, smaller works in Rothaug’s characteristic style. Embedded in the use of strong colors and contrast, her work fluidly oscillates between abstraction and figuration. The artist’s energetic process translates into the vibrant quality of the composition, the variation of textures, and the interplay of depth and flatness she creates throughout the work.
Her artistic journey begins with a figurative concept, often inspired by art history. Initial compositions are sketched roughly, with a focus on the dynamics and relationships between elements rather than precise details. Rothaug explains, “My references come from a continuous engagement with art and art history and a mode of collecting. It’s less about processing specific eras and more about engaging in dialogue and exploring painting. Artistic practice is inherently linked to references; it doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Working with art historical references is just a method, not the content of my work. Every artist connects with the past and present because we often try to solve problems addressed by others before us.”
In her latest body of work, Rothaug ventures beyond mere historical references, forging her own creatures and worlds. Experimenting with contemporary tools, such as 3D modeling programs like Blender, has broadened her practice and allowed her to pre-encrypt references and bring to life new, imaginative forms. Through this balance between revealing and concealing, the works engage the spectator in a metaphorical game of hide and seek. Tempted to use titles such as “Angsthasen Unite,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Very Old Man,” or the title of the show “Point your Toes and Look Alive” as clues for what to find or look for in the works, one’s imagination is sparked to uncover the layers and possibly find something completely unexpected. Familiar shapes emerge and vanish, much like watching clouds; the focus shifts, with some images becoming clearer only to transform into another motif.
Born in 1999, Juno Rothaug currently resides in Hamburg where she both lives and works. She began her studies at HFBK Hamburg in 2018, completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts under the mentorship of Prof. Anselm Reyle. Rothaug continued her education at the same institution, where she is currently enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program under the guidance of Prof. Anselm Reyle.