Renowned German painter Elvira Bach opens up about her artistic journey and weekend traditions in the latest episode of the podcast "What Do You Do on Weekends?" The internationally acclaimed artist, who gained global recognition after participating in the prestigious Documenta exhibition in Kassel in 1982, shares intimate details about her creative evolution and personal life.

Born in 1951 in Neuenhain, Hesse, Bach moved to Berlin-Kreuzberg in 1972, where she continues to maintain her studio today. During the podcast interview with hosts Christoph Amend and Ubin Eoh, she fondly recalls her childhood weekends spent in the countryside, surrounded by apple orchards, mirabelle plum trees, and strawberry fields. "I was born during strawberry season," Bach reflects, connecting her artistic sensibility to these early rural experiences.

The artist's breakthrough moment came in an unexpected setting during the 1970s at a legendary Kreuzberg restaurant, where she first discovered her artistic voice as a performance artist. "I displayed myself there in a beautiful dress, and that's how my female figure was born," Bach explains. This pivotal experience would later become the foundation for the female figures that populate her painted works, transforming from live performance into enduring artistic imagery.

Bach credits a supportive teacher from her early years who helped guide her toward becoming an artist, recognizing her creative potential when she was still discovering her path. This mentorship proved crucial in her development as she navigated the vibrant artistic scene of 1970s Berlin, particularly in the culturally rich neighborhood of Kreuzberg.

Today, the accomplished painter has settled into more relaxed weekend routines that reflect her current life phase. She enjoys unwinding in front of the television or listening to her favorite jazz records, finding comfort in these simple pleasures. Her weekends also frequently involve following the professional basketball career of her son, Maodo Lô, who has achieved remarkable success as a European and World Champion in the sport.

When asked to define her artistic approach, Bach offers a succinct but profound explanation: "Expression. I couldn't express myself any other way." This statement encapsulates her view of art as an essential form of communication and self-revelation, suggesting that her creative work serves as her primary means of connecting with the world.

The podcast episode, which runs for 50 minutes, also features recommendations from Bach and the hosts, including Berlin's famous SO36 music club, the children's book "A Potato Rides a Bicycle" by Elise Gravel, and "The Cookie Monster for Connoisseurs," a guide published by Reclam Verlag in 2025. These diverse recommendations reflect the eclectic interests and cultural curiosity that continue to inform Bach's artistic perspective and weekend activities.