A joint art exhibition featuring mother-and-son artists Gudrun Dörfler-Wißkirchen and Felix Wißkirchen drew approximately 50 art enthusiasts to its opening night at the Municipal Gallery in Bad Wurzach's City Library. The exhibition, titled 'Die Zwei' (The Two), opened on Friday, November 8, marking the gallery's 259th art exhibition. Mayor Alexandra Scherer was among the attendees at the vernissage, where Robert Beck delivered the opening address praising both artists.
The evening featured musical accompaniment by a clarinet trio from the Youth Music School, with performances by Georg Stankalla, Theresa Merk, and Amelie Neuhoff. The exhibition showcases around 50 works by the creative duo, ranging from miniature sculptures to large-format paintings executed in mixed media techniques. The collection also includes works created through printmaking and innovative tetra pack printing methods.
Mayor Scherer expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts between municipal institutions, particularly highlighting the cooperation between the Youth Music School and exhibition organizers Christel Linge and Doris Schäfer of the municipal gallery. She praised the seamless integration of various city cultural resources in supporting local arts initiatives.
Gudrun Dörfler-Wißkirchen, who lives and works between Bad Wurzach and Kreuztal, previously exhibited at the municipal gallery five years ago. Born in Neu-Ulm, she has been dedicated to painting and art since 1982 when she began with watercolor painting. Over four decades, she has developed her artistic skills through numerous courses, seminars, and art academy programs.
In his laudatory speech, Robert Beck first thanked the two volunteer gallery curators before discussing Dörfler-Wißkirchen's artistic journey. He noted how she has evolved over 40 years into a multi-layered, expressive artist through continuous learning and dedication. Beck quoted Karl Valentin, saying 'Art is beautiful, but requires much work,' which he felt perfectly captured her approach to creativity.
Beck explained that Dörfler-Wißkirchen often begins her works with large-format photographs or photo excerpts, which she then processes using various techniques to skillfully transform photography into more or less abstract interpretations. This approach is particularly evident in her series 'Riedblicke' (Ried Views). As a resident of Bad Wurzach, she intensively engages with the unique natural landscape of the Wurzach Ried in her paintings and sculptures, making her a dignified representative who artistically showcases this natural monument to the outside world.
Felix Wißkirchen, the younger son, joins his mother in this exhibition after their previous collaborative show in Bad Waldsee last year. Beck noted his fascination with how all four family members are extremely creative. While Gudrun and Felix work on the artistic-creative level, husband Michael and older son Florian are professionally creative in technical-constructive fields, embodying true Swabian ingenuity with tools including CAD and 3D printing.
Felix Wißkirchen works as a designer and art director, living and working in Wolfegg while earning his livelihood at Living Concept Werbeagentur GmbH in Münster. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management at the University of Applied Sciences Ravensburg-Weingarten, followed by studies in Design, Media and Communication at the University of Applied Sciences Dortmund. Beck revealed that Felix was already drawing delightful comics in elementary school that were both amazing and amusing, and believes his current works still contain something mischievous and often cleverly witty, showing he has remained true to his unmistakable nature.
The fusion of Felix's professional work as a designer and art director with his private artistic activities creates an ideal synergy. Most of his exhibited works are prints and painted raster images, with his approach to art being what he describes as 'graphically experimental.' Felix has also worked as a book author, naturally creating his own illustrations for his publications.
The opening provided a rare opportunity for visitors to speak directly with the artists, an occasion that typically only occurs at vernissages, which many attendees took advantage of throughout the evening. The personal interactions between artists and art lovers added a special dimension to the cultural event.
The exhibition 'Die Zwei' will run until December 23 and can be viewed during the regular opening hours of the City Library from Tuesday through Saturday. This extended viewing period allows ample opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the diverse artistic expressions of this talented mother-and-son creative partnership.
