artefantastisch in conversation with Anke Brehm

The decision for photo art

Why did you choose photo art? What fascinated you about photography, and when did it become clear that this is more than just a hobby?

I chose photo art because for me it combines creativity, excitement and variety in a unique way. Photography enables me to make my perception visible and to always break new ground.

I realized early on that photography was much more than just a hobby for me. It is a passion that accompanies me, challenges me and continuously motivates me to sharpen and develop my own vision.

The personal journey to the camera

How did becoming a photo artist come about? Was there a formative experience, a person, or an image that influenced your journey?

My journey to photo art began with a very personal impulse. My husband's gift — a camera that he presented to me for a birthday — was particularly formative. This gift was more than just a technical device; it was the trigger to study photography more intensively and to discover my own photographic expression.

Make emotions visible

How do you manage to capture emotions? What role do light, perspective, proximity, or the moment itself play? Do you work intuitively or conceptually?

I usually have an idea in my head, but I am consciously guided by the subject and the moment. I intuitively use light, perspective and proximity to capture the atmosphere that emerges at the moment.

My way of working ranges between concept and intuition — open to what is being created. For me, making emotions visible means focusing on small, often inconspicuous moments.

The artistic handwriting

What makes your photo art unique? Are there recurring themes or moods?

My artistic signature lies in my eye for the small, inconspicuous. I'm interested in quiet moments and details that are often overlooked but have a particular depth and atmosphere. This focus is a recurring thread throughout my work.

I look at recurring motifs from different perspectives — at the same time, I am tempted to try out new things, choose different topics and get involved in the unusual. This creates works that combine the familiar and the new and shape my photographic language.

Vision & drive

What is your vision as an artist? What motivates you and what message would you like to convey?

My vision as an artist is driven by curiosity and the desire to work creatively. This openness drives me to create new images and explore new paths over and over again. With my photo art, I want to invite people to go through the world with open eyes — and also to appreciate the small, often overlooked things.

effect on the observer

What do you want people to feel or think when they look at your work? Is there an emotion that is particularly close to your heart?

I don't want to dictate anything to viewers of my work. Everyone should have space to develop their own perception and interpretation. However, it would be nice if my pictures would encourage you to pause for a moment and enter into yourself — completely without expectation, but open to what is being created.

Dream places & future

Where would you like to see one of your works — in a gallery, a museum, in public space or in a personal space?

I am open as to where my works find their place. Whether it's a gallery, museum, public space or a very personal place — for me, it can develop as it comes. People's encounter with art is more important than the location.

Conclusion — looking ahead

What are you currently working on and what can we expect in the future?

I am currently working on a project about still life and silhouette photography, supplemented by conscious image processing. In doing so, I explore forms, contrasts and moods in a new way. I'll leave open what the future holds. It can develop and offer space for new ideas and artistic paths.