© Max Geisler, Artefact Imprfct Space, Frankfurt, 2023, Photo by Kristof Lemp
© Max Geisler, Artefact Imprfct Space, Frankfurt, 2023, Photo by Kristof Lemp

“As a passionate painter, I did not have to think long about which medium to use to formulate my thoughts and intentions.”

Name

Max Geisler

Profession

Painter

Website

maxgeisler.de

© Robert Schittko, Max Geisler Photo by Robert Schittko, 2023
© Robert Schittko, Max Geisler Photo by Robert Schittko, 2023

Where are you from?

Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Your style in 3 words?

Spatial. Destructive. Subtle.

Your weakness? Your strength?

Strength is equally a weakness and vice versa. It is always a matter of interpretation. I only concentrate on one thing and make an intuitive decision in case of doubt.

What makes you different?

I am a person like any other. What makes me different? Different from what? What makes me special or different from others is probably something only my closest friends and family can say.

© Max Geisler, Two days before the day after tomorrow, Detail, 2019
© Max Geisler, Two days before the day after tomorrow, Detail, 2019
© Max Geisler, H.5.21 (Jetlag), 2021
© Max Geisler, H.5.21 (Jetlag), 2021
© Max Geisler, For rent, Detail, 2019
© Max Geisler, For rent, Detail, 2019

When did you decide to become an artist?

There is one moment that I remember: I decided to study art when I realized after my first school internship that I would rather be my own boss. Because the freedom to decide for myself when and how I want to do something is one of the privileges I have as an artist.

Do you choose your art form, or does the form choose you?

As a passionate painter, I did not have to think long about which medium to use to formulate my thoughts and intentions. Also the development and the way from the canvas to site-specific installations I have basically not chosen. I work this way because it is my inner urge and language with which I express myself.

What do you find most fascinating about your work?

My works do not arise in isolation from each other. When painting, new ideas, and approaches arise again and again, which brings me to new work. I like to work serially and on several works in parallel. Thus, the works enter into a dialogue with each other. Moments that upset me are clarified in another work. That spurs me on to continue, and I realize that I’m not done with storytelling yet. Coincidences and unintended events that occur during my work are also exciting. Supposed mistakes often become an important component of the result.

© Max Geisler, Collapse, Mountains Berlin, 2021
© Max Geisler, Collapse, Mountains Berlin, 2021

A few words about your favorite creation?

My site-specific installation For rent (2018) remains one of my most important works. Here I have succeeded in giving the viewer the possibility to look at individual corners of the space separately. A narrative storyline has emerged throughout the constellation so that the work partially piles up and threatens to collapse again in the next moment.

What surprised you most about your first art shows?

I remember a group exhibition at the beginning of my studies. Well, I think what surprised me most here was the behavior of one viewer. I had exhibited two large-scale oil paintings that were still wet. After the opening, I noticed that one of the paintings had been damaged. Upon closer inspection, I saw a trace of a finger that had been dragged through the paint that had been applied with grease. At first, I was annoyed, but eventually, I took it as a compliment. My picture must have apparently been very tasty, otherwise, it probably would not have been touched.

Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…

There are a few names I could mention. At this point, perhaps two: The works (Cuttings) of Gordon Matta-Clark and the paintings of Laura Owens.

If the universe is everything and it’s expanding, what is it expanding into?
To infinity and beyond.

Who would you like to work with someday and why?

I would find it exciting to realize an exhibition or a collaborative work with Michail Pirgelis. Here I am attracted by the dialogue and fusion between my drywall installations and the aircraft parts he uses.

A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?

Based on my site-specific installations, I plan to construct mobile pictorial objects that can be adapted to the respective presentation location. Between wall, floor, and ceiling, this results in variable arrangement possibilities in the room. In addition, I am also interested in dealing more consciously and sustainably with the materials I use.

Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“

my mental and physical health.

2023: Where are we going?

I try not to get angry anymore but just wonder about the things that happen around me. I think everything that will happen is more unpredictable than ever before.

© Max Geisler, H.7.21 (Druckstellen im Halbschatten), Mountains Berlin, 2021
© Max Geisler, H.7.21 (Druckstellen im Halbschatten), Mountains Berlin, 2021

Do you think about time as an artist?

Time plays a central role in my work. Especially my installations seem like a snapshot. The viewer is confronted with a questionable construct. My works basically embody the past, the present, and the future in the here and now. A moment that seems deceptive and a change is imminent. What was before and what will happen next?

When the going gets tough…

I can handle external pressure well and it is a very beneficial situation for me. In this case, I don’t lose myself too much in my thoughts, think more rationally and come to a result more quickly.

Put on your future vision glasses: What direction is our generation moving in, what will our world look like in 50 years?

2073: I am not a pessimistic person, but it is hard for me to imagine that this world and life here will get better. Maybe a part of mankind comes to the insight, to act more prudent and sustainable. But probably much too late.

What would you do if you could change the World?

If it were necessary, would never touch a paintbrush again.

© Max Geisler, H.8.21 (Lowlife perspective), Mountains Berlin, 2021
© Max Geisler, H.8.21 (Lowlife perspective), Mountains Berlin, 2021

What does freedom mean when it comes to art?

As an artist, you always have a responsibility for what you produce and share with the world. But I think being able to formulate something without guidelines and rules is freedom.

If the universe is everything and it’s expanding, what is it expanding into?

To infinity and beyond.

Tell us about your future plans…

For now, I’m not going anywhere. I just moved to Berlin and found a suitable studio. For now, I want to focus on my own artistic work. I am open to new collaborative projects and exhibitions.

Your city’s favorite spots?

East port in Frankfurt am Main and the pub Zur Insel, which is inconspicuously located between containers and trucks.

© Max Geisler, P.O.V. Kunstverein Mönchengladbach, 2019
© Max Geisler, P.O.V. Kunstverein Mönchengladbach, 2019

A book that everyone should read…

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

Last but not least: what is your favorite Song?

I like to listen to music but I really can’t commit myself. It depends on my mood and situation. But the song She’s On Fire by Amy Holland always puts me in a good mood.

One last statement please: „Wood or stone, gold or art?“

Stone and both.

Your #…?

#maxgeisler #esiswisisansontewärsjaanners