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Ulrich Erkelenz

Switzerland

From architecture to art – Ulrich Erkelenz exhibits his works in Zurich

Ulrich Erkelenz has been working as an artist for more than 10 years. Erkelenz, who originally trained as an architect, is once again showing his works in Zurich, which he divides into 'portraits' and 'Lignulyphen'. From 23 to 25 May 2025, he will be exhibiting for a second time at Art International Zurich.

His mostly portrait-format 'Bildnisse' (acrylic and oil paintings on canvas) show a gestural, moving approach. Bright colours, physical effort and speed create the characteristic style of the abstract works. Themes and titles oscillate between happiness and philosophical reflection.
The 'Lignulyphen' are objects made of wood, 'panel paintings'. The textures added to the material and the often sparse use of colour create a condensed, silent, shimmering space of minimalist aesthetics. 'Lignulyphen', according to Erkelenz, are the result of a happy encounter (objet trouvé) and the linking of the title (Geolyphen).
All 'Lignulyphen' panels are the same size and some are worked on both sides. The way they are attached allows the panel to be turned horizontally and turned upside down.

Erkelenz finishes his picture frames himself, as he does the 'Lignulyphen' panels. This means that he handles each work several times in advance, works on it intensively and thus becomes part of the format.
He honed his artistic skills in stone carving, forging and painting at the Rheinau Academy of Art in Switzerland, and in oil painting under Prof. Jo Bukowski at the Bad Reichenhall Academy of Art in Germany.

Ulrich Erkelenz, born in 1956, was born in Duisburg, Germany. After training in the building trade, he studied architecture and urban planning. He discovered his love of art while still a student. During his professional career, he was involved in various 'art in architecture' projects in the context of large public construction projects. Erkelenz lives as a freelance artist in Kaiserstuhl and Rafz, where his studio is also located.

Text: Yvonne Blumenberg, CH-5466 Kaiserstuhl

Portrait: Ulrich Erkelenz (Photo: Andre Veith, CH-Solothurn)

See more of this artist here: Presentation 2024