Interview. Monika Herschberger

Present us your upcoming exhibition opening on March 15th. Where will be the concept behind it, and why must we see it?
Yet, in addition to the exhibited works, I have also created some new paintings that reflect themes associated with freshness, new beginnings, spring, clarity, and lightness. Some of these paintings are particularly delicate and light, demonstrating my sensitivity to seasonal changes. Throughout the preparation process, I oscillated between two approaches: transparent color compositions imbued with playful lightness and denser works achieved through overpainting. A characteristic element that follows them all is the powerful stroke of chalk that accentuates the surfaces. It acts like a mark, underscoring the artistic message. The colors of the works symbolize the time of new beginnings and inspiration.

Tell us more about the cooperation with the Atelier Gallery Roland Puschitz.
Roland Puschitz discovered my art on social media and wrote to me for the first time in January 2023. That was great. Before, I had already contacted galleries; unfortunately, there has been very little response. I had regular sales before that, but no gallery representation. Roland was looking for abstract works of art for a specific exhibition and therefore included me in the program. He is a very committed gallery owner; quality is important to him, regardless of whether you have studied or not. And he has been supporting artists for years—and also collecting their works. And he is an artist himself, so he has a special understanding of it. I started with a profile in his online gallery, and then things got more intense over the summer. It helped me become more visible and increased my profile. We have now become good friends. Last December, he asked me about a concept for The Red Carpet Showroom at U2-Schottentor. This is how the exhibition Rausch/en was created. I’ve never used such a large area before. My next stop will be FRESH solo exhibition in the gallery, which I am looking forward to.

How did your interest in art develop in your childhood? Or did it come later?
I enjoyed drawing as a child, and my journey into art began during my teenage years, serving as a refuge during times of solitude. Often finding solace in my own company, painting became a comforting pursuit. I vividly recall adorning walls with depictions of mythical female figures and goddesses, symbolizing themes of self-discovery. Over time, my art evolved into increasingly abstract forms, driven by a deep-seated love for color and shape. During the initial years, art coexisted alongside my passion for music, both pursuits intertwining seamlessly. Since 2001, my primary focus has been on painting, a testament to my enduring dedication to the craft, spanning over two decades. As I look towards the future, I eagerly anticipate the unfolding chapters that lie ahead in my artistic journey.

Are you building or stretching your canvases and frames for orders?
When I have sufficient time, I prefer to stretch and prime my canvas myself. This allows me to familiarize myself with the material. Additionally, there are occasions when preparatory work is necessary—during these times, I enjoy listening to the radio or podcasts.

What thoughts occupy your mind before commencing a painting session and during the act of painting?
I’m more of a restless type and therefore often have 1000 thoughts in my head. Music helps me a lot to get into the right flow, and then I concentrate on the work. I then think in terms of colors and adjectives. For example, paint a turquoise area and then „see“ a contrasting color, which I distribute in such a way that harmony is created. I do this very intuitively; it’s hard to explain. I then always place the accents in between to emphasize a certain point, just like underlining a word. Or setting a musical tone. Music is an important source of inspiration for me; I originally studied jazz singing, and that also flows into my painting.

What music do you listen to while working?
I love jazz. I studied jazz singing at the conservatory. I like vocal jazz best, for example, by Melody Gardot. Otherwise, I like listening to Billie Eilish or soul music on the radio. In 2022, I listened to classical music intensively, to the composition „Claire de Lune“ by Debussy. I even created my series about it, which was called „Inspired by Debussy.“

Titles in your works are interesting; how are you deciding on them?
I always tried to give my paintings a title; some pictures also have a story. My thoughts are part of the work—a personal expression that flows from my head onto the canvas. Or a certain feeling. I have some typical winter paintings that are very clear and reduced, as well as some that express the attitude of summer. Even if a work of art should and can work on its own, words or a poem can still add a certain dimension that completes the impression.

Your paintings are products of action and expression and are abstract. Tell us the most interesting interpretation of your work.
The most amusing interpretations often come from my son. On one occasion, he exclaimed, „I see a monster!“ In response, I promptly removed the painting from the bedroom as it was slightly unsettling.

When will you know your artwork is finished?
Sometimes, it’s beneficial to set aside a painting for 1-2 weeks and revisit it later to determine if it’s truly complete. When I reach a point where I can’t think of any further adjustments and I feel satisfied with its current state, reflecting my mood and intention, then I consider it finished.

Tell us about the procedure when ordering your piece and how often you do commissioned works.
I have a project called Artshop Feiner Kunst, together with my colleague Karin Czermak, a talented painter and good friend. We founded it in 2021, during the lockdown. Online shops are becoming more and more normalized and sometimes prioritized. The process is simple; the client can purchase the painting directly in the shop and pay via PayPal or inquiry with a bank transfer. After purchase, I securely pack the painting in a thick box and ship it via DHL. Smaller pictures are typically bought online, or customers visit the studio to view the painting in person—Austrians seem to prefer this option. Regardless, the price is transparent, matching that of the gallery.

Upcoming solo exhibition: Monika Herschberger, – FRESH
Opening: March 15, 2024
Closing: March 23, 2024

Opening hours during the exhibition: Thursday and Friday, 14:00 to 19:00, and Saturday, 14:00 to 17:00
On view: Gallery Roland Puschitz, Sechshauser Straße 116 1150 Vienna, Austria

Monika Herschberger – www.herschberger.at, www.derfeineartshop.com, www.instagram.com/herschberger_art

Monika Herschberge was born in 1976. In 1995–1996, she went to Vienna art school, studied painting with Gerhard Hermanky, and then did self-study. From 1996–2003, she studied in a conservatory in Vienna, in the department of jazz singing. She attended the 2002 summer symposium in Ric-Sovary, Hungary; painting with Eva Bodnar; 2009 a.o. Study a.d. University of Applied Arts Vienna; a 2011 seminar with Tone Fink; an August 2012 symposium in Hungary; Tiszakecske; and a 2019 symposium in Atelier an der Donau/YYbbs. Since 2001, she has exhibited in Austria, Germany, and Hungary, including Corvin Gallery (Budapest), a small gallery, Galerie IG Bildende Kunst, Palais Kabelwerk, Heiligenkreuzerhof Exhibition Center, Raumacht Art Forum, Galerie am Lieglweg, and Galerie Club Alpha. Exhibition at art 3, (Culture in the Third), Galerie Dumas, participation in the art fair ARTMUC 2023 and TRANSFORM ARTE, Red Carpet Showroom Schottentor /. Since 2023 gallery representation of Atelier Galerie Roland Puschitz and Galerie Dumas