the Artist
Artist & Computer
After studying classical art under Joseph Beuys in Düsseldorf and K.H. Sonderborg in Stuttgart, Schwanitz remained connected to traditional painting until the late 1990s. He also created numerous sculptures in the 1970s and 1980s. His sculpture “Adam‘s Rib” was
acquired by the city of Stuttgart. As a critical commentary on the times, Schwanitz also designed busts of the members of the Federal Constitutional Court during this period. However, Schwanitz always remained faithful to painting. In the late 1980s, very early on in his career, Schwanitz discovered the computer as a medium for his work. His tools ranged from the legendary Atari to the first Macintosh.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)Starting in 2001, Schwanitz began to intensively explore the possibilities of digital image editing programs and developed new, independent working techniques on the computer. In digital art, he found the freedom to bring the images in his head to life without “analog restrictions.” The range of works created in this way extends from abstract-tachist, late-Impressionist landscape and architectural images that show new views of old culture to ironically exaggerated 3D representations of death.
One highlight is the work “SensorArt-Hypnos” – sensors move art, a symbiosis of sensor technology and painting. Using room climate sensors as an example, the measured values such as the CO2 content of the air, humidity, or temperature are not conveyed to the observer via numerical values, but rather through the nature and intensity of the modifications to the art object. The sensors thus become part of the artwork and, as such, are directly networked or integrated into the artwork.
The work “Hypnos” was implemented in 2016. The image objects hang in the entrance area of the central institute building of the University of St. Gallen.
Artists & Painting
Since 2016, Schwanitz has returned to traditional realistic painting. As in previous years, his themes deal with social developments, explicitly under the influence of digital media. Schwanitz is not interested in commenting on everyday sensationalism, but rather in creating an imaginative counterpoint that leaves room for multi-layered interpretations. The works do not call for dialectical discourse, but rather show his very personal perception of topics that move him as an artist today. For him, this also includes a visual examination of the abysmal behavior of people from church institutions, as in the series of paintings “The Dark Side of the Cross.” Schwanitz painted the small series “The Best of Jesus” after an art trip to the most famous French cathedrals. He deliberately placed some of these anecdotes about Jesus‘ work in a satirical context in order to free the stories from their sacred idealization. These works are reproduced in the illustrated book “Gerd Schwanitz, Malerei & Lyrik” (Gerd Schwanitz, Painting & Poetry).
The artist Gerd Schwanitz is not only involved in painting, but also writes short stories and poems as part of his artistic work. To illustrate his view of things, he has described some of his paintings with his poetry. In doing so, he condenses his work into an overall artistic statement that makes the work appear even more complex and powerful.
Text: Beatrice Schnelle / WortArt
About the Person
Gerd Schwanitz, born in Braunschweig in 1947.
From 1966 to 1972, he studied at the art academies in Stuttgart and Düsseldorf, including three years with Joseph Beuys and two years with K.R.H. Sonderborg.
He worked as a freelance artist for many years, exhibiting his work in Germany and abroad. Purchases of works by the city of Stuttgart, companies, and private individuals, among others.
From 1975 to 1982, creative teaching and art therapy work in a clinic for addicts.
From 1983 to 1985, freelance illustrator and graphic designer for Süddeutscher Rundfunk television, at the same time illustrator and cover designer for the magazine “Bild der Wisseschaft” for five years.
1986 Co-founder of “4D” studio for storyboard and production painting as well as graphic design. 1994 Founding of Schwanitz Design.
2001 Co-founder of the Simon & Schwanitz agency.
Lives in Stuttgart Bad Cannstatt as a freelance painter and graphic designer.
