Zsuzsa Klemm was born 1967 in Novi Sad, Serbia former Yugoslavia. 1977 she emigrated with her family from Serbia to Germany and was raised multi-cultural. Klemm studied fine arts at the University of Fine Arts, HBK Braunschweig. Since 2008 she is based in Berlin. Zsuzsa is exhibiting internationally as Germany, Italy, UK, Canada, Israel and USA.
How did you get into art?
From a young age, I knew art was my calling—a profound conviction I've followed relentlessly despite all challenges. Growing up, my parents immersed us in a world of art exhibitions and literature, surrounding us with books filled with prose and poetry. There was a replica of a portrait of a red-haired woman in our home that I once believed to be my mother, but then it turned out it was by Renoir, when we went to the Musée d'Orsay, where I vividly remember the impact Monet's Water Lilies had on me, solidifying my passion for art. My first significant purchase with my allowance was a comprehensive book "Adieu Picasso" showcasing Picasso’s lifestyle that I aspired to emulate: a world filled with beauty, expanded spaces, and a sparkling, transformative creativity.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
My artistic journey began in figurative drawing, heavily influenced by natural forms and a robust language of shapes. Over time, I’ve embraced abstraction, freeing myself from literal representations to connect deeply with my creative process. What makes my art unique? It’s a direct emanation from my soul, distinctly mine—irreplicable and profoundly personal, but at the same time universal. My artwork is beautiful and stirring, but in a kind of way also disruptive, challenging viewers to see beyond the surface.
How do you go about developing your work?
My creative process is a dance between the conscious and the subconscious. I follow my instincts and intuition, stepping back periodically to reflect on what the artwork demands. This interplay ensures each piece is not only a reflection of my inner self but also a responsive dialogue with the artwork.
Who or what influences you?
I consider myself a seismograph, capturing the undercurrents of social relevance, the beauty of nature, urban life, and my experiences as a mother. My work is a play on both: contemporary art and the rich tapestry of art history. Influential figures include my mentor Norbert Tadeusz, along with artists like Katharina Grosse, Jessica Stockholder, Tracey Emin, Per Kirkeby, Pontormo, Caravaggio, Rothko, and Hodkins, to name a few.
Make us curious. What are you planning to do next?
On May 31st, I was excited to present the "Liquid Translation" exhibition under the pseudonym MILLAY, which I curated and am participating in. This exhibition is a vibrant celebration of life's perpetual motion and the boundless possibilities that emerge when we transcend our preconceived boundaries. Discover a realm where edges blur—where the fluid forms of identity, time, and expression converge into stunning artistic expressions. Immersing in the extraordinary "Liquid Translation" exhibition challenges conventions and celebrates the art of becoming, dissolving the lines that divide us and embrace the fluidity that defines us!
Learn more about the artist:
