Q&A: Anna van den Hoeval

You were raised between Menorca, the Austrian Alps, and Munich. How did this constant change of environment impact you?
The constant change of environment has always had a strong influence on me. The diversity of landscapes and cultures has broadened my view of the world and given me a deep understanding of nature and its various forms of expression. The intensity of the colors in Menorca, the silence and majesty of the Alps, and the urban, cultural life in Munich—these are all elements that are reflected in my work. These places have given me the opportunity to develop different perspectives and shape my creative identity.

Can you describe how your fascination with nature became such a significant part of your work?
Nature has always been a place of refuge and inspiration for me. I am fascinated by its power, beauty, and, at the same time, its fragility. I try to capture this in my works by drawing inspiration from the organic shapes, textures and colors found in nature. My work is an attempt to preserve the essence of these natural elements and present them in a way that invites viewers to question and deepen their own connection to nature..

Your practice combines acrylic painting with materials like reused varnish, earth and mortar. How did you develop this process?
This process came out of my desire to combine traditional painting with tactile and natural materials to add an extra dimension to the work. It started with experiments where I combined different materials to create different textures and surfaces. The use of earth and mortar brings a physical connection to the subject I am depicting and gives the works a raw, authentic quality. I try to collect and reuse colors that have not been used by painters. This repurposing and recycling also represent transformation, which is also a central theme in my work.

What role does your process-oriented practice play in shaping the final appearance of your paintings? Are there often any notable surprises or shifts from your initial vision?
My work is strongly process-orientated. There are often surprises and unforeseen twists and turns that shape the final image. I let myself be guided by the materials and the process, which leads to a kind of dialogue between me and the work. This openness allows me to work in a spontaneous way and let the work grow organically, which often leads to results that go beyond my original vision.

How did your latest series, Metamorphosis, come about, and what does it explore?The Metamorphosis series arose from my exploration of the theme of change and transformation. I was fascinated by the idea that nothing in nature is static but is constantly changing. This series explores the transitions and changes in nature and in human life. The works reflect this process of metamorphosis by combining elements from nature and organic forms with abstract structures. It is about understanding that change is a natural and necessary part of life.

Nowadays, with worlds like the metaverse, we experience almost infinite dimensions: life, space, art and the universe are constantly changing. This change leaves its mark. I focus on the processes and factors that lead to such changes. Metamorphosis symbolizes a moving process and brings life and movement to art through the use of new materials, creating dimensions in new spaces.

You’ve also lived and worked in Berlin for an extended period of time; what was that experience like for you?
Berlin was a very inspiring time for me. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, ideas and creative influences. In Berlin, I felt the freedom to explore new approaches and develop my art in new directions. At the same time, Berlin is a city that is constantly changing, which suits my artistic practice perfectly. The energy of the city and the diversity of people I have met there have had a profound influence on me and my work.

In your interview with Whitehot Magazine, you mentioned meeting many "lost souls" in Berlin. Did these encounters have any significant effect on you? If so, how?
Yes, these encounters had a big impact on me. The people I met in Berlin often had eventful life stories that made me reflect on themes such as identity, belonging and loss. These experiences feed into my work by bringing the themes of transformation and change even more into focus. For me, the "lost souls" also symbolize the search for a place in the world, which is a central motif in my art.

Are there specific cultural or environmental aspects from your travels that you intentionally integrate into your art?
Yes definitely. Every journey, every place leaves its mark on my work. I am particularly inspired by different cultural perspectives on nature and the environment. For example, in the Alps I developed a deep understanding of the relationship between human beings and mountain landscapes, while in Menorca I could see the light of the Mediterranean seep into my work. These influences are subtle, but they give my works a global dimension and connect them to different cultural narratives.

Where do you call home these days, and what makes that place particularly meaningful to you?
Today, I still live all over the world, but I have my main studio in Munich, a place that has become a haven of peace for me. Here I find the balance between nature, which inspires me, and a creative environment that supports my work. This place is significant because it gives me the opportunity to concentrate on my art and at the same time live in an environment that inspires me every day with its unique surroundings.

How do you believe your art can help viewers connect with places and experiences beyond their immediate surroundings?
My art invites viewers to go beyond their own experiences and find a deeper connection to the world around them. Through the use of natural materials and the depiction of organic forms, I aim to open a dialogue that encourages viewers to reflect on their relationship with their environments. I hope that my work will inspire them to recognize the beauty and fragility of nature and to make a personal connection to the places and subjects depicted.