Residency at GlogauAIR: "We can all learn from each other"

Since April 2025, master student Martin Winkler (Kunsthochschule Kassel) has been part of the residency program at GlogauAIR in Berlin for three months - a non-profit artist platform founded in 2006 by artist Chema Alvargonzalez, which brings international artists together to develop their projects in Kreuzberg.

For many artists, residencies are essential in order to take a break from their everyday lives for a while and concentrate on their own artistic work. Institutions such as galleries, art associations, museums and universities offer various residency formats for artists. These can be solitary residencies or part of an overall concept, which are usually advertised. The call can be linked to a specific theme or can be freely chosen. In some cases, artists are invited or proposed directly. The application requirements vary.

The range of funding varies. For example, the GlogauAIR program allows Martin Winkler independence and flexibility. In addition to a private residential studio where he can temporarily carry out his creative work in a different location, he also receives comprehensive curatorial and technical support: "This includes regular one-to-one meetings, joint exhibition visits with the other artists and networking opportunities. "I take part in organized workshops, artist talks and open studios, which gives my work positive impetus," explains Winkler. The "Project Space" in particular, where presentations, performances and workshops are held, gives artists access to networks and promotes exchange between the local art scene. The visual artist explains: "The international focus of GlogauAIR allows me to exchange ideas with other artists from Australia, China, the USA and Europe. We all benefit from each other through the exchange of expertise and personal experiences." He continues: "The mix of individual project work, joint exhibition visits and workshop work creates an ideal atmosphere and at the same time promotes intercultural dialog between all participants."

Winkler describes everyday life and the atmosphere in the GlogauAIR art space as follows: "There is a relaxed, collegial atmosphere. The atmosphere is a bit like a creative class trip - people meet in the garden, cook together, share work materials, ideas and concerns. It's this mixture of professionalism and spontaneity that makes a stay here so special."

The artist is currently developing a large-scale installation. The focal point is a life-size stallion covered in teeth. Surrounded by painted lengths of fabric in bold colors and hung loosely, the work is reminiscent of "La Fée Electricité" by Raoul Dufy. The artist explains the theme of his work: "I am concerned with queer memory culture and the transitions between childhood and adulthood, as well as the moments when the boundaries between animal and human dissolve." The public will have the opportunity to see the artist's residency project in Kreuzberg from June 13 to 14, 2025.

Martin Winkler (born 1992, Halle/Saale) studied Fine Arts at the Kunsthochschule Kassel until summer 2024. Immediately after graduating, he continued his studies as a master student of Prof. Schmidt (Fine Arts, Kunsthochschule Kassel). In his work, the visual artist explores queerness, history and pop culture through painting and installation. Based on his research, he recontextualizes overlooked narratives with humour and symbolism. Inspired by historical images and media, his works invite reflection on identity, trauma and resilience. As a master student, he aims to draw on the unenlightened logic of childhood in his work: "How to euphorically encounter colors and formats and explain the visual and the sensory. At the same time, I want to pick up on darker undertones in my work in the field of painting and installation, which can evoke disgust or fear," says Winkler.

After his stay at GlogauAIR, he would like to apply for further residencies in Europe and North America in order to further develop his theme of "queer historical culture" and link it in an interdisciplinary way. "A residency is a perfect format for my own artistic development and especially for the time after my studies. I spend at least two hours a week researching suitable residencies so that I have up to 15 applications in circulation," explains Winkler as a suggestion for those interested in a residency.

(Text in German: Çiğdem Özdemir)
 

Information about Martin Winkler:
martinwinkler.org

Information on funding opportunities at GlogauAIR Berlin:
www.glogauair.net