Art Night in Passau: Experience the riot of colors in the chapel!

Art Night in Passau: Experience the riot of colors in the chapel!

In the St. Anna Chapel in Passau, the Passauer Kunstverein is presenting an impressive exhibition by the artist couple Barbara Lutz-Sterzenbach and Thomas Scharrenbroich. This exhibition, which is open until August 17th, shows 30 works from the “Turbobrav” project, which has been created in the open-air studio near Waldkirchen since summer 2024. Lutz-Sterzenbach, professor of art education and visual literacy, emphasizes the important role of images as a basis for thought and thus offers a deep insight into contemporary art.

The works on display are primarily large-format oil paintings made with luminous pigments on canvas. They come from a way of working that includes creative techniques such as spray and pour painting. Particularly striking are the partly frameless oil paintings, which form abstract compositions made of powerful red tones, fine lines and dynamic layers of color. These explosions of color are not only eye-catching, but also stimulate emotions and thought about the art.

Interactive elements and impressive photographs

The presentation is complemented by photographs on foil documenting details of a nearby, dilapidated chapel. These photographs, partially edited with luminescent pigments and text, create a dialogue with the cross vault of the restored chapel and add an additional dimension to the exhibition. In an innovative approach, even the windows of the chapel were used as exhibition space for the first time.

The responsible curator, Christina Bielitza, paid particular attention to ensuring that the large-format images have plenty of room to breathe. This design allows visitors to delve into the depth of the works and develop their own interpretations. In a world in which the Eurocentric canon of images often imposes strong prejudices about art and culture, it is important to also shed light on other perspectives, as Lutz-Sterzenbach emphasizes.

Artistic participation and social relevance

Participation is a central element in contemporary art, as the works of Lutz-Sterzenbach and Scharrenbroich show. These artistic approaches are designed not only to explore individual expressions but also to bring communities together. The dialogue between the artists and their audience will be further deepened through actions during the Art Night in Passau on July 11th. Anyone interested is invited to take part in a painting activity with the artists from 8 p.m., followed by a light installation at 10 p.m.

The connection between art and education plays an essential role in Lutz-Sterzenbach's work. In her lessons, she promotes the exchange between traditional European art and contemporary imagery, which can help boys and girls identify with different cultural narratives and develop their own creative skills. This is in line with the trend to integrate cultural education as an integral part of artistic practice, which is also clear in other programs such as the NRW state program for culture and schools.

Overall, the works of Barbara Lutz-Sterzenbach and Thomas Scharrenbroich offer not only visual impressions, but also a deeper examination of art as an emotional expression and its cultural context. An exhibition that you definitely shouldn't miss!