Sonja Arz studied painting and graphic arts at the Leipzig Academy of Visual Arts (HGB) and at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. Work scholarships, exhibitions and work stays have repeatedly taken her abroad, including to Switzerland, France, Italy, Portugal, Israel, Romania and Bulgaria.

Sonja Arz studierte Malerei und Grafik an der Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst (HGB) Leipzig und an der Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. Arbeitsstipendien, Ausstellungen und Arbeitsaufenthalte führten sie wiederholt ins Ausland, u.a. in die Schweiz, Frankreich, Italien, Portugal, Israel, Rumänien und nach Bulgarien.

Born in Brașov, Romania, lives and works in Berlin

2001              Academy of Fine Arts, HGB Leipzig

2002             Grant,  Heinrich Böll Foundation

2004             Grant,  Hedwig und Robert Samuel Foundation, Düsseldorf

2005              Diploma, Art Academy Düsseldorf

2006              Master  Student, Art Academy Düsseldorf

2009              Work Stay, Portugal

2016               Artist Residency, Alpineum, Lucerne, CH

2017               Foundation Studio 19

2018               Artist Residency, ARV.I, Vishovgrad, BG

2020              Work Stay, Aubeterre, France and Castelleale, Italy


Selected Exhibitions

2024             Erregung öffentlicher Freude, Hilbert Raum, Berlin

2023              Dialoge 2023, Pavillon am Milchhof, Berlin

2023              Verwalterhaus St. Marien / St. Nicolai, Berlin

2022              Zu Ende bringen, Studio 19, Berlin

2022              Baam, Monopol, Berlin

2022              Noymn, Berlin Artists Against War, Berlin

2021               Bodyforms, Studio 19Berlin

2021               Somekind of birthday, Studio 19, Berlin

2019               Finaleminimale, Galerie Alpineum, Luzern, CH

2019               AR29-2,  Zuzanna Skiba Fine Art, Berlin

2019               Lecker,  Atelierhof Kreuzberg, Berlin

2018              Where  is Philadelphia?, curated by Maik Schierloh, Gutshaus Philadelphia, D

2018               AR29,  Zuzanna Skiba Fine Art, Berlin

2018               First forms of  life, ARV.I, Vishovgrad, BG (Solo)

2017               Dirty Nails, Studio 19Berlin

2016               Light, Galerie Alpineum, Lucerne, CH

2015               Früher oder Später, Hilbertraum, Berlin

2014              Wonderfuel Zeremoney, Gelbes Haus, Lucerne, CH

2013               Sommersalon, Galerie Kristine Hamann,  Wismar, D

2012               Manuela Wossowski und Freunde, Galerie  Klinkhammer, Düsseldorf, D

2011                Summen Spüren, SK140, Berlin

2011                After The Shot, Späti International, Berlin

2011                Fremdgang International, ODG - Salon fürzeitgenössische Kunst, Düsseldorf, D

2010              Sonderschicht, Kunstverein Oberhausen, D

2010              Highest Expectations, Forgotten Bar, Galerie  im Regierungsviertel, Berlin

2010               Arz and Friendz, Forgotten Bar, Galerie im Regierungsviertel, Berlin

2008             1001 Bilder, Kunststiftung Villa de Bank, Enschede, NL

2008             Kombination, Raum Citadellstrasse 27,Düsseldorf, D

2007             Bye, bye, Acapulco, Galerie Acapulco, Düsseldorf,  D

2006             Acht, Walzwerkstrasse, Düsseldorf, D

2006             Dwadoi, Galerie Sammler, Leipzig, D

2006             Bang Gang, Galerie Sammler, Leipzig, D

2006             Düsseldorf im Juni, Krinzinger Projekte, Wien, A

2005             Attitude, Inner State and Posture,  Galerie Sammler, Leipzig (solo), D

2005             Unrein, Galerie Sammler, Leipzig, D

2005              I keep my good eye open, Atelier 169,  Cluj Napoca, RO

2004             Traum-haft, Galerie Fiebach und Minninger, Köln, D

2004             This Time Painting!, Herzliya Museum of ContemporaryArt, IL

2004              Neue Düsseldorfer Malerschule, Museum Haus Lange, Krefeld, D

2001               Raum mit schwarzem Balken, Academy of Fine Arts, Leipzig, D

2001               Häuser und Kähne, Johannisplatz, Leipzig, D

2000             Flesh, Hansa Haus, Minden, D


Teaching

Art in the public space, mural paintings, Haus der Jugend Monheim, 2004

Experimental painting in public space, AKKI Düsseldorf, 2004

Art educational workshops, BKK Düsseldorf, 2006 – 2007

Drawingworkshops and portfolio preparation courses, Walzwerkstrasse Düsseldorf, 2006 – 2008

Experimental painting in public space, AKKI Düsseldorf, 2009

Portraitdrawing, Kunstbastion, Zitadelle Spandau, 2014

Cooperation with Er(Be)Leben,„The city of solidarity“, Berlin, 2022


Text

Colorful landscapes, the human body and architectural forms

Sonja Arz is a contemporary artist whose work blurs the boundaries between figurative and abstract painting. Sonja Arz work is characterized by vibrant colors, gestural brushwork, and a fascination with the female body, landscape and architectural structures. Her art practice also extends beyond the canvas, as she creates large-scale installations that immerse viewers in her world of color and form.

Sonja Arz paintings are equally evocative, with bold brushstrokes and saturated colors that suggest energy and movement. Her partially figurative works are often accompanied by abstract shapes and patterns, creating a sense of tension between representation and abstraction.

For Sonja Arz, art is a way of exploring the boundaries of what is possible. Her work challenges the viewer to see the world in a new way, to question assumptions and embrace the unknown. Whether through painting or installation, Sonja Arz art is a testament to the power of color and the human form to communicate emotion and inspire change.                                           

C. Goswell


Print

Die Neue Düsseldorfer Malerschule, Krefelder Kunstmuseen, Kerber Verlag, 2003

Prosa Nr. 8, Publikation der Hedwig und Robert Samuel Stiftung, 2004

This Time Painting, Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art, 2004

Kunstforum Bd. 168, Jan.-Feb., Die Neue Düsseldorfer Malerschule, Helga Meister, 2004

Düsseldorf im Juni, Krinzinger Projekte, Wien, 2006

Sonderschicht, Kunstverein Oberhausen e.V., Verlag Peter Todden, 2010

Light, Galerie Alpineum Luzern, Hrsg. Karin Lustenberger, 2016

Imprint: An der Industriebahn 12 * 13088 Berlin * 0049-30-49914727 * s-arz@gmx.de

Using Format