Steffen Kern
“The fundamental topic of my work is the world of images, in particular our collective memory of images. Therefore, I explore a broad variety of different subjects to convey an idea of the enormous multitude of images that surround us. From this approach I derived the idea to define my practice as a long-time project within which I continuously add new drawings to an archive of images. As these images derive from my imagination and memory, I call it a mental archive.” - SK
Steffen Kern (b. 1988, DE) works with pencil and charcoal on paper in a meticulous method that elevates a conventional medium to a contemporary style. Creating works in both vivid color and black and white, the artist’s style is uniquely marked by luminous contrasts and a mastery of light and shadow. As if drawing in a dark room, Kern experiments with the visual elements of blooming, depth of field, distortion and shadow caused by direct light. The effect is powerful and striking, harkening back to old masters while simultaneously feeling markedly current.
Kern is highly influenced by the principles of photography, and he applies various photographic aesthetics to his works, but the subjects of his drawings are constructed without using photographic or real-life references. Instead, the artist searches for images in his mind that appear to be part of our collective pictorial memory. The images are familiar and yet vaguely uncanny, falling somewhere between film stills and a universal subconscious archive. Within the works one can trace themes from pop culture, film and domestic life. Whether portrayed with bold, saturated colors or starkly monochromatic, the works are refined, captivating and deeply memorable.
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NADA New York 2024
Find us at Booth 1.03 2 - 5 May 2024We are thrilled to announce that we will be participating in the 10th edition of NADA New York! Rutger Brandt Gallery proudly presents a captivating exhibition featuring three artists; Steffen...Read more -
Expo Chicago 2024
Find us at booth #315 11 - 14 Apr 2024Rutger Brandt Gallery presents a duo booth showcasing work by Emmanuel Barcilon and Steffen Kern. Emmanuel Barcilon's paintings are a mesmerizing interplay of color, texture and depth. At first glance,...Read more -
December Exhibition
Online Exclusive 1 - 31 Dec 2023Rutger Brandt Gallery presents new work by Radenko Milak, Carlos Sagrera & Steffen Kern in an exclusive online exhibition. These artists collectively possess a remarkable ability to create mysterious spaces...Read more -
RBG x Blueknowledge Art Collection
6 Oct - 17 Nov 2023We are delighted to announce a collaborative exhibition with Blueknowledge Art Collection. In their beautiful space in Amsterdam-Oost, we will be exhibiting works by Steffen Kern alongside Christian Achenbach. This...Read more -
Steffen Kern
Light cuts through darkness but not through fog 29 Apr - 27 May 2023Steffen Kern's new solo show explores the relationship between the overflowing amount of images that fill our day-to-day lives and one's memory. Kern has a great fascination for pictures used...Read more -
THE PINK EDITION
19 Feb - 26 Mar 2022The perception and meaning of pink have changed over the years, going from one extreme to the other and have been present in both high and low culture. From renaissance...Read more -
PAN Amsterdam 2021
14 - 21 Nov 2021Booth 90 PAN Amsterdam is the fair for art, antiques and design. Every year, 45,000 art lovers are inspired and seduced by the many thousands of art objects on offer...Read more -
Art Rotterdam 2021
1 - 4 Jul 2021BOOTH 72 The 22nd edition of Art Rotterdam will take place from July 1st - 4th, 2021. Located in the iconic Van Nelle-factory, the art fair will once again form...Read more -
UNTITLED, ART online
2 - 6 Dec 2020For invitiations to the online edition of UNTITLED, ART Miami Beach 2020, please contact us. We are happy to send you your virtual ticket to our exhibition. UNTITLED, ART is...Read more -
Steffen Kern
Drawings from the mental archive 27 Nov - 19 Dec 2020The body of Kerns work consists of drawings whose subjects are constructed without using photographic or real-life references. He reworks different sketches as often as he can until proportions, light...Read more -
BIG Art
1 - 4 Oct 2020
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RBG X Blueknowledge Art Collection
Opening 6th October September 29, 2023We are delighted to announce a collaborative exhibition with Blueknowledge Art Collection. In their beautiful space in Amsterdam-Oost, we will be exhibiting works by Steffen...Read more -
Steffen Kern in Gallery Viewer Magazine
May 12, 2023Gallery Viewer published an article featuring Steffen Kern's 2023 solo show at Rutger Brandt Gallery. Written by Flor Linckens, this article looks at the inspiration...Read more