“I had to work a lot on myself and let go of known patterns to understand who I am, what I want to do, and how to feel myself.”
Name
Madlin Bentlage
Profession
Sculptor
Where are you from?
I grew up in Meppen, Germany. Currently, I am living in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Website
Your style in 3 words?
Bitter, salty & sweet
Your weakness? Your strength?
My biggest weakness and strength is that I am overambitious.
What makes you different?
Nothing, I do not believe in the idea of being different.
When did you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in a conservative surrounding, without any art context. For me, making art was never a topic because I had no role models. I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I did things I didn’t want to do. I had to work a lot on myself and let go of known patterns to understand who I am, what I want to do, and how to feel myself. So it’s more a process than a decision for me.
Do you choose your art form, or does the form choose you?
I choose consciously, every day.
What do you find most fascinating about your work?
That I keep on doing.
A few words about your favorite creation?
My favorite creation is always my latest. I am very springy and fall in love with materials and ideas very easily.
What surprised you most about your first art shows?
The visitors were interested. I had nice conversations and got to know different perspectives.
Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…
I am crazy about the work of Anna Uddenberg, Monica Bonvicini, Isabelle Andriessen, and Hyon Woo Lee. Also, I get inspired by literature, especially prose. For example, new works by Olga Hohmann and Olivia Wenzel.
Who would you like to work with someday and why?
I think it’s important to investigate your immediate surroundings. I am surrounded by so many great and interesting people at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf who work right next to me. I can learn a lot from each person and our work can grow together. Sometimes artists have to put their ego aside, to open up to something new.
A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?
Currently, I am taking many courses to learn more about steel as a material and how to deal with it. I’m in the process of welding ostrich legs, but I’ll keep more to myself for now. I’m incredibly excited about everything that’s coming and very motivated. However, that wasn’t always the case. For me, creating art, no matter how huge this term may be, requires good frustration management and perseverance. It is like swinging up and down on a seesaw without losing your balance.
Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“
My mental health.
Do you think about time as an artist?
Definitely. I try to work effectively in a certain amount of time. I often have phases where I produce a lot and things go smoothly. After that comes the other phase where I fail a lot and things seem difficult for me. During this time I read and write in sketchbooks. This is an important action for me. Otherwise, I’ll sink into overanalyzing, and this kills more ideas than failure ever could.
When the going gets tough…
…comfort food and cold showers.
Put on your future vision glasses: What direction is our generation moving in, what will our world look like in 50 years?
It gives me hope to see how many people, especially young people are fighting for their rights and the rights of nature. It’s hard for me to look that far ahead and I find other perspectives, especially from not-so-privileged people, more important than mine at this point.
What would you do if you could change the world?
“Overthrow patriarchy!”
What does freedom mean when it comes to art?
Art is not free until everyone is free.
If the universe is everything and it’s expanding, what is it expanding into?
Hopefully a lot of trees
Tell us about your future plans…
This year I’ve started to renew my French skills because I would like to study for a year at École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. It’s truly one of my childhood dreams to experience the happenings in this city. I would like to intensify my professional material related to sculpture and spatial installation there. But first I’m looking forward to being part of the new class of Alexandra Bircken at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf.
Your city’s favorite spots?
best morning coffee: weird space
best espresso martini at night: bar chérie
A book that everyone should read…
Sich erinnern, man selbst zu sein – Paulina Czienskowski
Last but not least: what is your favorite Song?
You – Gold Panda
One last statement please: „Wood or stone, gold or art?“
Ein Ding wäscht das Andere
Your #…?
#madlinbentlage
