About the artist and her work
Olga Beckmann was born in 1979 in Crimea. Her parents were marine biologists, which significantly influenced her work and motifs in painting. In her childhood, she painted a lot and was interested in art. From the age of nine, in addition to regular school, she attended art school. This meant three hours of classes daily over a period of six years. She learned painting techniques, color theory and composition, and sketching very early on.
After graduating from high school, she decided to further her education and earned a master’s degree in business administration in Germany. During these studies, she continued to paint and draw a lot, attended numerous courses and workshops, learned new media, and improved her technique. Her passion for art did not wane, so she decided to study art at the Art School in Stuttgart.
In January 2014, she completed her studies with diplomas in “Free Graphics” and “Free Painting.” Since then, she has been working as a freelance artist, participating in numerous exhibitions, and teaching children and adults. Since 2018, she has been a member of the Stuttgart Artists’ Association. In the spring of 2022, she was fortunate enough to find a beautiful space for an art studio in the magical ambiance of Herrenberg. There, together with colleagues – professional artists – she offers numerous courses, workshops, and art events for children and adults.
Some of the paintings we will see at the exhibition are painted on MDF boards. The artist collaged maps onto the boards before painting them with acrylics. Other artworks are classic oils on canvas, mostly created by underpainting in several layers.
The motifs are primarily part of the story about Marius. Marius is Olga’s son, and the house in Betina represents a special place for the grandson of marine biologists. Marius is the main character in her paintings, along with sea creatures and old geographical maps. It is a diary of his adventures in Betina.
As for the oil paintings on canvas, the funnel is her main motif. Additionally, motifs include old items that we still use. The artist has a collection of old funnels at home (around 50 pieces). Garlic is also a common motif in her paintings (as a symbol of folk medicine due to its healing characteristics) and quince (a symbol of abundance and health). Among the exhibited paintings is a Self-Portrait with a Lily, which is part of the “4 Elements” series – the lily in this painting represents the element of water.
The symbols in her art and the way the artist relates to the motifs in her paintings take us into the world of painting and poetry of the Pre-Raphaelite period, which emerged in the mid-19th century in Great Britain. The artists of that period aimed to return to natural details and precision in art, and their paintings often contained symbolic elements and were inspired by literary works, including poetry, mythology, and biblical stories. Therefore, I invite you to continue exploring this exhibition, to immerse yourself in each work with an open mind and heart. Let art be your guide through this experience, let it inspire, encourage, and empower you.
Sandra Barešin, exhibition curator
May I briefly introduce us?
US, because it’s not just me, Olga Beckmann, behind what you are about to discover – but also the art studio Herrenberg in Germany. In November 2022, I was fortunate enough to open a beautiful art studio with a magical atmosphere in the old town of Herrenberg. And of course, there is also Art Atelier Betina… My paradises!…
It was a long journey to realizing my dream, and now I have both – my little paradise in Betina, where I can be creative and recharge for new projects, and my beautiful workspace for workshops, exhibitions, art parties, and literary projects in Germany. Just follow us on Instagram: @kunststudioherrenberg and @artatelierbetina.
You ask me why Betina? There is no logical answer, it’s simply a feeling… I came here and fell in love with this place… I have traveled a lot, but this is the only place where I felt like I was simply AT HOME… And where I have to return… And after all these years… and a long journey, I am very fortunate to have a space for myself and my small family here. Now I spend as much time as possible in Betina and am once again very fortunate to be invited to exhibit my works in this beautiful museum.
Betina inspired me for a new series of works, “Marius, the Marine Biologist’s Grandson,” which are more illustrative and very surreal… I used new media and through experience, I found a new way of painting.
Dalmatia also inspires me to work on my theme of Still Life as a Metaphysical Point of View on Life… The beauty and value of old everyday objects, like a funnel, inspire me, symbolizing a long or infinite life. And of course, the motifs of my life in Betina with my child. I hope you will enjoy my works and, of course, the magical interior of the Betina Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding.
For more information about my projects, you can always visit: www.olgabeckmann.com
