Julia Obermaier wins Kunstpreis of the city of Kempten (Allgäu)

Du bist dran | Objects | Eraser (Agate, lapis, marble), Sheet of paper with scribbles/Tic Tac Toe and Hangman game (rock crystal), Pencil (Allgäuer Eisenkiesel, onyx, rhodonite, gold plated silver) | 2024 © Fotostudio Sienz, Kempten

For over 70 years, works from the regional art scene have been presented at the art exhibition organised by the city of Kempten during the Allgäuer Festwoche. Prizes are also awarded as part of the exhibition. The work "Du bist dran", which is related to the "KOH-I-NOOR & Friends" series, won the main prize this year. Julia Obermaier, who completed her Bachelor's degree in "Gemstone and Jewellery" in 2016, already focused on working with gemstones during her artistic studies. Shortly after graduating, she opened her own studio in Kempten.

Julias Statement about her piece(s):

"Du bist dran" consists of three objects which, when combined, form an entire landscape of memories: a torn sheet of paper with engraved drawings, a pencil and an etched "Ratzefummel". These objects of everyday culture, which embody transience, flexibility and correction, are contrasted with a very traditional, hard and durable material – the gemstone.

Together, they evoke sensations of smell, touch, sound, but also play, joy and boredom from days gone by. They take us back to our childhood and capture memories of a time when the world lay undiscovered before us. Cut from various precious stones and thus completely deprived of their functions, these objects immediately initiate the viewer's thoughts. Images are brought before the inner eye that evoke the traces and feelings of the past and make them tangible. The stone, with its durability, fragility and value, carries the essence of our childhood. They are intended to invite us to explore our own memories and discover the special features in the details of everyday life. Just like their "natural" role models, they are table objects and hand flatterers. They are made to be touched – the jewels of our childhood.

A brooch by Julia Obermaier is also currently on display in the exhibition "Brooches in dialogue between the past and the avant-garde" at Villa Bengel in Idar-Oberstein.

Here, you can find more information about the Kunstausstellung in Kempten

Here, you will be directed to the artists website

© Fotostudio Sienz, Kempten