BY ISA TRAVERSO-BURGER
Images courtesy of: European ART GALLERY
Hans Klemm has worked with brands such as Rodier, Balen- ciaga, Descamps, Vuitton and Kenzo among other renowned names. That was during his 25 years living in France; after discovering a passion for fashion, interior design, art and architecture, he decided to open a different type of ‘art gallery’ here in Miami. Driven by the art business plus the harmony and warmth of our beloved city, he founded a “light meets color” themed place known as European Art Gallery. Here, in this singular location, he represents very few but very talented artists.
To enhance his precious space he utilized the concept of blending painting, sculptures, handcrafted light fixtures, outdoor furniture and the objects from well known German light designer, Manuel Wassmer. Besides Wassmer, Ruth Azcona Lizarraga and Elmar Hund complete the roster of power behind the gallery.
Elmar Hund is a German artist born in Oberkirch. After exhibiting in Germany, Hungary, Austria and other European places, he arrives to Miami to show evidence of his incredible procedure when it comes to art. He even uses wood from the German forests to structure his frames, which he does by himself, refusing to use industrial production! Every one of his paintings is unique, alternating between oil and acrylic colors on canvas, integrating 24 Karat gold leaves, using three dimensional surfaces to create a subtle optical outcome, and employing earth pig- ments, heat, aluminum powder, cotton, and a lot of layers and production time. Hund’s creativity is a perfect reflection of his romantic and complex mentality, boosting the dynamism of his artwork, his spontaneity and his remarkable perception of the world.
Manuel Wassmer is a popular interior light designer. He has a thing for ambiance, lighting and shadows. At 18 he designed his first series of lightings and ever since, he has created a reputation for himself after numerous exhibitions, TV shows and light parades that depict his own style; at the same time, through his art, he expresses moods, emotions and functional beauty. Wassmer has shifted his imaginative design from private properties, to hairstylist studios, to a 130,000 sq. ft. business center in Cologne, Germany. He is identified by his unique approach to design and lighting. Customers can choose from a collection or have objects custom made to their desire. Every object is handcrafted so that every stone (marble or granite for example) has its own manifestation. Wassmer is also passionate about light shows having his first break at the age of 20 in the town of Baden Baden in the Black Forest area. After that, he successfully illuminated events at Linx, Bühl, Kehl/Strasbourg and other German cities. If there’s something he’s an expert at, is setting the right mood.
Ruth Azcona Lizarraga is a Spanish artist who illustrates a feminine kindliness in her paintings. Barcelona, Cuenca and Pamplona have all been witnesses of her exhibitions; and her current displays at the Eu- ropean Art Gallery establish Azcona in her first US experience. At first she was attracted to colors, then she began digging deeper, finding the unexposed to be even more interesting, attacking her curiosity, making her explore the shapes and patterns of the interiors. “She makes the invisible visible to the human eye and is able to expose even the deepest mysteries of a flower”. Azcona reveals the most amazing details, painting with a dry technique, experimenting with wet colors and transparencies as well. The nature of her work reveals so much detail that it takes her an average of three weeks to complete a magnificent piece of art.
At European Art Gallery we find classy and comfy outdoor furniture, the kind you would see in a trendy and fashionable hotel; extraordinary tables and objects created with quality detailing plus unmistakable light- ing; and paintings and sculptures that will draw attention to any special space because of the feelings they convey just by watching them be what they are: art at another level.
