The Next Generation – Silja Lenz

Face the Waste

What is real and what exists in some extra-terrestrial plane of existence bounce, bend, and merge together in the work of Stuttgart-based artist Silja Lenz. Working primarily with waste and debris as a potent subject, Lenz’ boundless canvases reconfigure a crisis bigger than reality could ever be capable of capturing. Lenz’ work draws on the playful and often irrational elements which accompany explorations of rubbish. There’s a degree of fun in untangling the packed puzzles of Lenz’s paintings, but no matter how much our eyes strain to make sense of these distortions of form and space, the enigma is always infinite. Silja Lenz knows that in order for humans to face the consequences of our reality, we need to experience the abounding and innumerable scope of our problems which lay immediately before us.

Part One: Who is Silja Lenz

Question Two: Who are you as an artist?

As an artist I’m most of the time someone who keeps trying not to make art. I’m not sure what art is. So I try to understand what I’m interested in. I like subtle humor, sarcasm and directness.

Question Three:  In terms of your artistic journey, why are you here and where are you going?

I moved from Stuttgart to Vienna because I wanted to see some other aspects of art. What I first saw was aspects of salad in plastic bags in the supermarkets. I think I will go even more to weekly local markets now. And in my paintings I want to get better in building constructs of garbage in an illogical way and maybe even more pretty.

Question #4: What do you absolutely need your audience to know about you or your work?

My waste should make you happy and laugh.

Question #5: What has the process of making art taught you or given you?

Much. Failures and dealing with them. Accepting that reality is ALWAYS something different than imagination. Playing with realities. Running after the things you want. Running after recognition even if it’s just your own. Running after things you don’t want to forget when you get an inspiration in the evening quickly before you want to sleep. Understanding what all of this trouble now means for my pension. Gut feelings and their importance even if it’s illogical. And – for most – accepting that “okay” sometimes is the best thing you can get because there is always the possibility to do it better and at some point you have to stop.

Question #7: What keeps you going?

Gut feelings.

Part Two:

Please describe your work and practice as best you can:

I want to build imaginative constructs of trash that might not exist in reality.

Where/ How can Vacant Museum viewers see more of your work and where can they purchase it?

On my Instagram-Account: @silja.lenz