Among the different moods I found myself in during the lockdown was the dark feeling I see in Can Henne's painting. In addition to the Berlin winter, there were questions about mental health and the fears that Corona brought with it in January. The range of worries was huge, some understandable, some contradictory and inconsistent - but scary. And feelings are contagious, as Can Henne describes it in the interview. When we talked about the time when Euphoros III was made and the symbols in it, I startet to understand the painting as a statement about how reality can be perceived very differently. It is not easy, but it’s possible to find an inner peace - regardless of the external circumstances. From that point of view, the next winter can come.
There is a saying that I thought of, after talking about Euphoros III:
“Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
It was good timing that Can Henne had just finished the work days before the printing date - it’s now on show for the first time. The artistry and craftsmanship of the 100cm x 80cm oil painting is outstanding and is reproduced on the poster - thanks to the perfect processing at Pinguin Druck - almost original. A gloomy poster with a bright message.
(gh / August 15 2021)
Artist Statement Can Henne
