“A subtle sense of proportion…”
Paul Zimmerman in conversation with Martin Luisi
Paul Zimmerman: How did you develop interest in art?
Martin Luisi: I came to art when my father passed away, and for me art is an outlet for emotional stress. Since then I have been involved in art, both as an artist and an art collector.
PZ: What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
ML: Since this technique consists of snapshots of moving liquids / colors, the difficulty is to have a subtle sense of proportion so that you press the shutter release of the camera at the right moment.
PZ: What is your artistic process? How do you create your photography?
ML: They are snapshots of moving liquids / colors (coagulation technology). In the meantime I have several recipes of basic liquids into which I then let the colors flow
PZ: Do you have any particular goal in mind when your start a new piece?
ML: No, absolutely not at all. The picture actually creates itself, in the end my imagination is responsible for developing my visual observation. The only goal I have in front of my eyes is what colors I use.
PZ: How do you know when the work is finished?
ML: At the latest when the liquids have coagulated so strongly that a black soup has formed. A black spot can also be art, but it’s not my style.
PZ: Has your practice changed over time?
ML: Oh yes, my subtle sense of proportion became more and more sensitive. I see in other works of art as well as in mine, more and more. Through this ability I have learned to understand art better. Which is very nice for me personally and I enjoy art more and more in general. And there are always new recipes for my base fluids (base fluids).
PZ: Which artists are you most influenced by?
ML: That’s a good question; There are so many great artists. But those who inspire me the most are Max Beckmann, Otto Dix and of course Jackson Pollock.
PZ: How would you define art?
ML: Well, art is basically in the eye of the beholder. However, I also think that as soon as a work of art appeals to me emotionally and I get goose bumps, it is art.
PZ: What are you working on now?
ML: I am currently in the process of creating one of my greatest works. My last great work is 200 cm x150 cm and that was already a “masterpiece” for me.
PZ: How does the pandemic influence your work and sensibility?
ML: As for the pandemic, first of all I would like to express my deepest condolences to the people who have lost someone to the Corona pandemic. It is a very difficult time for everyone in the world and please do not give up.This gives me a lot of time to think, the more vulnerable I am emotionally. What inspires me to create art again. I made a lot of works of art last year. I sold 6 works in September. But in spite of everything, I would of course like to go back to normality.