MUNTHE ART MONDAY: RONJA CHLEBOWSKI
Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.
My unique source of inspiration is energy and its transformation into art. I find beauty and inspiration in the pulsating energy of the world around me, infusing my creations with a sense of vitality and dynamism.
I am an artist based in the city of Berlin. I am renowned for my abstract artworks, where I combine various materials such as high pigments, spray paint and stone particles. Each piece is meticulously crafted on raw cotton canvases, handmade with care and dedication. I seamlessly integrate spiritual elements into my art, creating pieces that resonate on a deeply spiritual level.
Ronja is wearing KLIOMI BLAZER
Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?
I was really inspired by most of the biographies of female artists of our history. In a world where it was difficult to be a woman especially a woman in art - but they did it. Paula Modersohn-Becker, Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun, Angelika Kaufmann, Frida Kahlo and Hilma af Klint are only a few I consider idols. They were the pioneers who made it possible for us female artists today to study in art universities, have a seat at the table (not parity yet), and to have a place in the art world. I also have a lot of living idols, which Instagram is great for, because you can find them through the platform everywhere in the world. Sometimes it is not only the artwork but also their aesthetic or how to rule the art business. To name a few of many; Katharina Grosse, Eva Fàbregas, Denalisa Shijaku, Elisa Klinkenberg, Celine Westlund, Hera of Herakut, Xiyao Wang and Kim Weber.
Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?
When I was younger, I had difficulty really standing up for myself and my artwork. This is more typical of women than men. As a girl, I was taught to be more reserved and friendly. You are quickly declared arrogant, or nowadays you would say "bossy", if you walked into a room as a woman and say, "I'm really good and talented and I'm worth the price and value I'm asking." But for a (female) artist, that's absolutely necessary. If you're not confident in yourself and convinced of yourself, no buyer will be. And that leads to a lot of missed opportunities. There are many studies that show that men find it much easier to demand something without experiencing social restrictions. I had to invest a lot in coaching to develop an attitude and mindset where I learned to define and assert my value again. And how does that affect my career? It took me much longer to reach the point of success.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being a woman in the arts?
I think there is still a huge pay gap between male and female artists as well as when it comes to representation. I mean it's super great that there is more awareness for those topics, especially around women's day, but it is not completely equal. In Germany our language is not gender neutral and I am often to find under the category “artist” (which is translated as male artist in German) and every time I must ask for gender-appropriate language and have to explain why I don’t feel comfortable with it. I am very proud to be a female artist and it’s important for me to be named as one.
What would you like people to notice in your artwork?
I want to create a comfort zone within my artworks. The aim is to share positive energy. If you look at them and have a mood booster, I am happy. It can be anything you need. Joy, hope, courage, love, calmness, faith, inspiration. But it can also awaken memories of a special moment or scent. On the other hand, it would make me proud, if people notice how much of my soul and dedication I put into my artworks.
Ronja is wearing KLIOMI BLAZER