Laura Sachs (b. 1985) is a contemporary German artist who explores the boundaries between painting and object in her reduced, abstract works. She initially studied philosophy and art in Frankfurt am Main and completed her studies at the Düsseldorf Art Academy in 2018 as a master student.
Sachs’ works are characterized by precise and balanced compositions. They are a constant interplay of contrasts, whether between materiality, color, letting go and control, intention and intentionlessness. Yet despite these contrasts, Sachs’ works radiate an incredible calm and meditative quality.
One of the most distinctive characteristics in her works is the interaction between the artwork and space. The artist skillfully merges painting and object by combining the canvas with accurately placed metal pieces, sometimes directly on the canvas, sometimes offset at the edge of the painting. These act as “equal interlocutors”, challenging and enriching the work and turning the canvas into a three-dimensional object. In this way, Sachs’ paintings always enter into a dialog with their surroundings and influence the viewer’s perception.
Work series such as “Dust” are remarkable for their dynamic, irregular lines created by omissions in the black background and overlapping contours. These powerful compositions appear spontaneous and controlled at the same time, creating a harmonious tension between order and chaos. In her calm and monochrome works from the “Case” series, on the other hand, Sachs reduces the picture surface to a minimum. Only on closer inspection do the subtle material contrasts between the natural canvas and the meticulously crafted metal strips become visible.
In the “Noon” series, color is used as a material component of the work: by pressing the oil paint through the canvas, which is then turned over and re-stretched, Sachs creates a unique surface. To emphasize the haptic quality and physicality of these works, she also uses paint particles and dust from her studio. These are then complemented by thin powder-coated metal strips.
Laura Sachs’ art is the result of a continuous exploration of materiality and a constant search for the right balance. The meditative quality of her works invites the viewer to pause and immerse themselves in the subtle nuances of the compositions. By pushing the boundaries of painting and object, Sachs develops artworks that encourage reflection and dialog – both with oneself and with the environment around one.
In philosophy, you get to the bottom of things. This approach still corresponds to my artistic search today.
Laura Sachs
