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Artist Statement

Tiko El Outa’s works navigate a dynamic tension between opposing forces—beauty and ugliness, perfection and imperfection, comedy and tragedy, the unconscious and the conscious. These contrasts unfold across the diverse mediums she employs, including painting, sculpture and film creating immersive dramas that explore uncharted territories of emotion, perception, and existence. Tiko draws inspiration from a wide array of sources, including Old Master paintings, Hellenistic sculptures, Paganism, experimental films and the evocative poetry of Bertolt Brecht. She transforms these influences into something entirely new, weaving them into her unique artistic language. Her eyeless figures, monumental yet intimate, simultaneously challenge and invite the viewer, crafting a sense of connection that resonates deeply. These figures, enigmatic in presence yet devoid of gaze, act as mirrors, pulling us deeper into the realms of the unconscious.

 

Tiko’s journey, from her birthplace in Georgia to her upbringing in Germany, informs her work with a rich cultural and artistic lens. With a background in acting and directing, she has directed numerous short films and is currently working on her first feature. Her literary debut, Wenn die Leidenschaft ruft (2016), marked the beginning of her journey to integrate poetry, film, sculpture, and painting into a cohesive and multidimensional storytelling experience. In her creations, audiences are invited to choose their role—either as an observer or an active participant in the unfolding narrative.

 

Tiko is profoundly influenced by the works of Gustave Courbet, Diego Velázquez, Peter Paul Rubens, and John Singer Sargent, whose mastery she admires and studies passionately. She has traveled extensively to experience Courbet’s works in person, drawn by their timeless ability to convey depth and emotion. These inspirations are evident in her meticulous craftsmanship and her ability to balance grandeur with nuance. Tiko El Outa’s art transcends boundaries between mediums and disciplines, creating a space where visual storytelling and emotional exploration converge. Each piece is a world of contrasts, offering viewers an experience that lingers in both its depth and emotional resonance.

CV available upon request*

© 2022- 2024 by Tiko El Outa. All Rights Reserved

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