Interview-Michael Kaphengst

"I see the line as the primary force, with the image emerging almost as a consequence. This gives my linearity a strong conceptual foundation. It clarifies the hierarchy in my work."

 c: Michael Kaphengst

How did your journey as an artist begin?

My passion for art was first ignited by a television report about the death of Salvador Dalí. This

moment sparked my curiosity, and I soon found myself reading literature about Dalí and the

Surrealist movement. The ideas and imagery associated with Surrealism captivated me deeply.

Motivated by this fascination, I acquired some drawing materials and simply started to create my

own works.

As my interest grew, I sought out lessons from artists who were well-known in my region. These

classes brought me a great deal of joy and fulfillment, and I never anticipated that my

involvement in art would evolve in the way that it did. For many years, I pursued art as a side

activity, never intending to make a career out of it.

What are the different forms of artworks that you do?

My artistic approach is best described as a fusion of Surrealism and Pop Art, a style I call

"Consumptive Surrealism." Within this unique combination, I have developed a distinctive form

of expression known as "Linearism." In my Linearism works, I deconstruct my subjects into

vibrant, colorful lines, breaking down imagery into expressive linear components.

My abstract artworks are created using a specialized technique: I attach a brush to the tip of a

fencing sword (rapier) and use this tool to paint. These pieces, which I refer to as "Fencing

Paintings – Absolute Linearism," embody both the precision and energy of the movement,

resulting in dynamic and striking compositions.

Additionally, my drawings are characterized by spontaneous, swirling motions. This lack of

control in the creation process gives the works a sense of lively movement and energy. I call this

approach "Extreme Linearism," as the dynamic, circular lines generate a feeling of motion and

intensity within each piece.

Can you tell more about linearism art , how you create it?

The inspiration for my fencing paintings often came unexpectedly, influenced by external

circumstances. For example, fencing lessons were part of my acting training curriculum. This

experience, combined with my familiarity with the works of Niki de Saint Phalle—especially her

shooting paintings—laid the foundation for my creative exploration. Around 2009, as I became

more deeply involved with Niki de Saint Phalle's work, a vivid idea suddenly emerged: I decided

to glue a paintbrush to the top of a fencing rapier. Fueled by this thought, I experimented with

various techniques to discover how I could use the weapon as a means of expression. In doing

so, I recognized the potential of allowing lines to flow freely across the canvas. This approach,

which I call "absolute linearism," ultimately opened up a new perspective within my linear art. By

arranging lines without constraints, I was able to explore new visual possibilities and refine my

signature style.

What is idea behind it and what does it signifies from a layman perspective?

The message is to observe your surroundings closely, let yourself be inspired, and be open to

new things: perhaps a great idea will emerge from this.

What is that one line of quote that you abide by in your life or you would like others

to follow?

It's not a quote in the traditional sense, but rather a certain attitude that should distinguish us as

artists, and that is authenticity. If we look at the great artists, we can recognize them simply by

their style; they all have their own visual language, and that's what makes an artist. Plagiarism

and copying or imitating other artists is wrong; anyone can do that; it's not an achievement.

Please tell us a bit about an artwork of yours which you like the most?

"The Duel," from 1992, depicts a Western scene in which a Coke bottle and a Pepsi bottle face

off in a duel.It symbolizes the daily struggle for consumption and the competition between

companies—processes we can't escape. This isn't meant as criticism; competition is good for

business.When these processes stall and are disrupted, we're currently witnessing in the Middle

East how interdependent we all are.

How have you been keeping up during the pandemic and what are the new things

that you have started?

What truly surprised me during the pandemic was my experience with my own health. Despite

suffering from dermatitis and asthma, I was initially quite worried about the impact COVID-19

might have on me. However, I managed to get through the pandemic without any health

problems related to the virus; in fact, it turned out to be harmless for me.

During that period, I worked as a bus driver and encountered frequent challenges with

passengers who were unwilling to wear masks. Most of the difficulties I faced were related to my

job rather than the pandemic itself.

As an artist, I made use of the time by creating new paintings, reworking older pieces, organizing

my collection of drawings and discarding some works that no longer seemed necessary.

What are the challenges you face while working on any artwork?

The biggest challenge I encounter in my artistic process is achieving harmony between the

subject and the use of color. It is essential for me that the colors complement and enhance the

subject matter, creating a balanced and visually appealing composition.

I rely on my intuition and experience to determine whether a subject works or not. The

effectiveness of a subject often reveals itself through the creative process, allowing me to

decide if it fits within my artistic vision.

While I do not consider myself a naturally gifted draftsman, I strive to simplify my subjects while

still keeping them engaging and interesting. At present, I am dedicated to developing new pieces

that expand upon my linear style and allow me to pursue new artistic directions. I have

discovered an effective way to incorporate my lines within the subject matter, and I feel

confident.

What is the thought process while choosing your next artwork?

I often question whether "thought processes" is the right term to describe how I select my next

piece. For me, the experience is less about deliberate thinking and more about visualizing

mental images that evolve as I paint. Before I even start working on a canvas, I already see the

painting in my mind. However, these mental images are not static; they shift and transform

during the creative process. For instance, I may realize midway that my original concept does not fit or is not strong enough. When this happens, I rework the image in my mind, refining it until

it feels right before transferring it onto the canvas.

When I refer to my "thought processes," I am really talking about creativity. Creativity, in my view,

is an innate ability—a quality that cannot be taught or learned in a traditional classroom setting.

No school or university can impart creativity; it is something that comes from within.

What are the best resources that have helped you in your way?

I believe it's my belief in myself and my resilience, and my creativity—I simply have it. But that

raises an interesting question: can you be creative without being a great draftsman? A question

that has come up for me throughout my life and my study of great artists. I maintain that yes, you

can be a great artist.

What advice would you give to a young artist following in your steps?

Patience, resilience, and diligence are among the most essential qualities for anyone pursuing

an artistic career. The path of an artist is unpredictable—there is no formula for planning out

your journey, and financial success can never be taken for granted. It takes a significant amount

of initiative to keep moving forward and to face the uncertainty inherent in this profession. If you

are not ready to embrace these challenges, it may be wise to consider a different direction.

While there are always exceptions—artists who seem to rise to fame overnight—the reality is

that this is far from typical. Often, those who achieve rapid success find it difficult to sustain

their careers in the long run. Many of them struggle because they never had to develop a strong

work ethic or build their skills through hard work, relying instead on opportunities that were

simply handed to them. For most artists, the journey requires persistent effort and a willingness

to work your way up from the bottom.

Who is your Inspiration ?

I draw my inspiration primarily from my own difficult life story. I grew up in a children's

home, and my mother had very little income. The family lived in great hardship, so I

needed an outlet for my feelings and thoughts.

Sport became an important way for me to unwind from everyday life. I tried my hand at

various disciplines such as badminton, soccer, table tennis, and karate. These activities

provided a welcome change of pace and also opened the door to art.

Art offers me the opportunity to express myself and process my experiences. For me, it's

less about perfection and more about conveying authenticity to others. This authenticity

is clearly reflected in my artwork.

Would you like to tell about your achievements ?

My most recent award was received last year from the Accademia Internazionale di

Significazione Poesia e Arte Contemporanea in Rome. This recognition is a testament to

my ongoing dedication my art, and it stands out as a significant milestone in my artistic

journey.

In the early days of my career, during the 1990s, I was frequently featured in the press.

Even though I had not yet established myself as a professional artist, I actively engaged

with local media by inviting them to attend my exhibitions. Their coverage helped raise

awareness of my work and allowed me to reach a broader audience.

Through these efforts, I occasionally sold paintings and built connections within the art

community. I maintained this practice for several years, gradually building my reputation

and credibility.

Over time, my artwork has been published internationally, and my name appears in a

variety of encyclopedias, magazines, and interviews across countries such as Italy,

Germany, Austria, Spain, the USA, and England. This global recognition highlights the

impact and reach of my artistic contributions.

Whats coming up for you, what are you working on? Thank you

In February, I had a group exhibition and book launch (a lexicon) in Vienna. In May, an art

biennale will take place in Cannes, coinciding with the film festival, and I will be participating. In

June 2026, a publishing house from Rome, in collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art

(MoMA) in New York, will release a lexicon in which I will also be featured.