CHRISTEL SOBKE

“I aim to captivate viewers through the use of color that evokes sensory impressions, intending to reach their hearts and senses. Often, I create series of 3 to 8 images with the same composition, altering only the colors. This visual representation symbolizes change, whether personal, social, or environmental. My artistic repertoire encompasses various styles and media, including landscape, portrait, still life, and abstraction. Since 1992, I have been utilizing digital media, creating collages with my own photographs and natural debris such as roots, twigs, and leaves. I work directly on the touch pad with my fingers.”

Unstable Construction, 2023 Digital media

Christel Sobke, originally born as Christel Schneider in Paderborn, Germany, and raised in Gelsenkirchen in the Ruhr district, is a multifaceted artist with a diverse background. Her artistic journey began in 1952 when she started receiving private lessons in drawing architecture and nature from a local artist in Gelsenkirchen.

At a young age, Sobke’s talent was recognized when she became the first prize winner of the WAZ-art-competition in 1954. The WAZ, one of Germany’s leading newspapers, acknowledged her artistic prowess and set the stage for her future endeavors.

Following her passion for art, Sobke pursued studies in German and English literature from 1964 to 1970, earning a teacher’s exam along the way. In 1967, she married Berndt Sobke, a Dermatologist, with whom she had two children. Tragically, Berndt Sobke passed away in 2013.

Sobke’s dedication to her craft led her to undertake formal studies in art and design at the University College Niederrhein in Krefeld from 1978 to 1982. Throughout her studies, she explored various aspects of painting, including nude, portrait, plant drawings, depictions of moving animals, and architectural compositions. She also ventured into experimental abstract painting, photography, the theory of color, and the creation of objects for public spaces, such as her notable “Streifen-Objekt” (kinetic) project.

In recognition of her innovative ideas, Sobke received a German patent for a construction element used in toys. Since 1983, she has been working as a freelance artist, dedicating herself to her creative pursuits. From 1995 to 2002, Sobke operated an art studio in Essen-Kettwig, further establishing her presence in the art scene.

Currently, she resides in both Berlin and Tenerife, allowing her to draw inspiration from diverse environments. Sobke’s artistic journey has taken her across the globe, with numerous exhibitions and publications showcasing her works internationally. Her artistic expression continues to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing her position as a respected figure in the art community.