The artist Sigrid Artmann has engaged in a dialogue with the unique environment of Lanzarote in her own way. The calligrapher has taken advantage of the controversial action of a creator, a French tourist based in Barcelona, who "painted some historical ruins without authorization" to join the dialogue between art and vandalism.
In the old quarries of Teseguite (known as the Antigua Rofera'), Sigrid Artmann first marked the 28th north parallel that crosses the area with a roll of Chinese calligraphy paper and then inscribed this line with her message as part of a kind of performance.
The resulting work Between Two... gives rise to speculation about what happens on both sides of this imaginary line and how it acts as an element of union, complementation or separation.
Before the dynamic work of art rises from the ground in the second half of the performance, it becomes a kinetic wind chime in an impressive transformation, thus adopting the idea of the Wind Toys, which were once brought to Lanzarote by César Manrique from his creative stage in the USA and can be found in a wide variety of forms in Anarote.
It is not the first time that Sigrid Artmann has performed in Lanzarote and brought her works to life on the black lava sand. Already in February 2020, she presented the performance The Ritual, in which she placed 69 artistically written love letters to the Mohas at the archaeological site of Zonzamas.
The artist explained: "In this way I establish a direct dialogue with the Mahos, the native indigenous people, and I present my respects to them, because their island of Lanzarote has become a source of inspiration and energy for me. The fact that my ephemeral art only interacts with the island for a fleeting moment is an essential requirement and an important element of my performance art, because at no time is there any intention to cause permanent damage to the unique nature of this island or to leave irreversible traces."
In addition to Lanzarote, Sigrid Artmann recently held a very successful solo exhibition at the renowned Lilienthal Gallery in Knoxville, Tennessee (USA). This event cemented her international status and demonstrated once again that her art finds increasing resonance beyond continents and cultural barriers.
The internationally experienced photographer Sabine Huetter (aka The Redhead Photographer) documented the dynamic performance in Lanzarote in an extensive series of images and captured the creation and transformation of Between Two....
Sigrid Artmann
Her artistic but extremely unconventional use of "writing" earned her the international reputation of calligraphy rebel a decade ago. Born on September 20, 1966, she is a prominent German artist who has gained international recognition for her diverse talents as a calligrapher, author and lecturer.
Her artistic career began in 2009 with the groundbreaking and provocative exhibition Opium Dream and Champagne Intoxication, which marked the beginning of an impressive career.
Artmann is not only a creator of works of art, but also shares her knowledge by teaching calligraphy along with contemporary art at several renowned art academies.
By participating in numerous international group exhibitions and holding solo exhibitions that have fascinated audiences in both Europe and the United States, the artist has continuously increased her visibility not only in the art scene. Since 2013, she has received numerous awards and accolades for her unique artistic vision.
