Collective overview of the exhibition “Winter Wonder”

The exhibition “Winter Wonder: The Magic of Light and Togetherness” unites the creative visions of various artists who capture the essence of winter through their unique works. From the vibrant colors of Uhsadel and Thul to the emotional depth of Gerlach and the dynamic expressions of Alaoui, the show emphasizes the beauty of connection and the magical interplay of light during the winter season. Each piece invites reflection on the shared experiences that enrich our lives and fosters a sense of community and warmth in the cold. Read more about the artworks below.

The following artists are participating in the exhibition: Barbara Uhsadel, Bea Thul, Claudia Acksteiner, Daniela Görner, Diana Fröhlink, Friederike von Rheden, Günter Krenz, Jennifer Diekmann, Jenny Biel, Katharina Hindes, Maja Botzum, Nia Steck, Pm Artiste (Petra Moons), Teodora Dumitrache, Tino Gerlach, Zaineb Alaoui.

Register for the opening at: https://www.artcraftliving.com/event-list

Exhibition “Winter Wonders”

Encounters N1 : The work, in vibrant orange and earth tones, conveys an atmosphere of liveliness and openness. The painted layers appear to overlap and intertwine, creating movement and energy. This image can be interpreted as a symbol of human warmth and spontaneous encounters —a moment of exchange that brings light and vitality to the space.

Encounters N2 : The second work, in delicate shades of pink, white, and black, appears calmer and more introspective. The composition is more open, the lines more sensitive, almost meditative. Here, a reflective form of encounter is revealed, characterized by closeness, empathy, and quiet tension.

Together, the two works form a visual narrative about human connection – from the first, impulsive encounter ( N1 ) to the mature, quiet bond (N2) . The choice of colors – from warm orange to cool pink – reflects the transition from outward vibrancy to inner light, which perfectly suits the wintry theme: finding warmth and togetherness in the darkness.

The abstract design language allows the audience to make their own emotional connections and opens up space for interpretation – an essential feature for an exhibition that aims to make the magical and the human tangible at the same time.

"Winter": This work captures the essence of winter in an abstract, textural language. The use of palette knife techniques and mixed media creates a relief-like surface reminiscent of frozen landscapes, snow formations, and reflective ice. The color palette—cool whites and blues interspersed with warm reflections—conveys a feeling of both cold and comfort.

“Winter” visualizes the moment when light meets ice – a symbol of hope in darkness. The work speaks of tranquility, clarity, and renewal , central themes of the winter cycle and the exhibition.

"Silence" : In "Silence, " Bea Thul merges observation of nature with emotional abstraction. The delicate lines of the trees contrast with an intensely colored, almost luminous background. The interplay of green, red, and gold tones creates an atmosphere of inner warmth and meditative depth.

The work evokes the feeling of a still, luminous twilight – a moment when nature comes to rest and is simultaneously permeated by inner light. It represents a connection with nature and the pause that characterizes winter as a time for reflection.

Together, "Winter" and "Silence" form a visual narrative about light and contemplation.

While "Winter" showcases the external landscape and its crystalline beauty, "Silence" opens the view inward – to the emotional experience of this season. Both works embody the magic of light, which offers warmth and hope in the darkness, and simultaneously reflect the relationship between humanity and nature.

Bea Thul's works combine haptic depth with atmospheric sensitivity, creating a bridge between the outer and inner world and inviting the audience to experience the quiet beauty and emotional resonance of winter.

In "Balance in the Light," Claudia Acksteiner presents a visual interpretation of harmony and interaction through the delicate interplay of light. The warm tones, juxtaposed with cooler shades, reflect the beauty of relationships, particularly in the context of winter gatherings. This work illustrates how light connects and uplifts us during the darker months.

"Aurora - The Awakening" captures the enchanting moment of winter twilight, when the first light of day brings warmth and hope. Through layered textures and a vibrant color palette, Acksteiner evokes the magic of new beginnings and the promise of connection that every winter day holds. The work celebrates the beauty of transformation and togetherness.

These two works form a pair that transforms everyday objects – fruit, characters and texts – into an artistic reflection on community, memory and global interconnections.

The vibrant colors of the fruit stickers create a radiant glow amidst the neutral book pages. They act like festive lights in winter, bringing warmth and joy to dark times.

Fruit as a motif symbolizes sharing, hospitality, and the global interconnectedness of people. While FruitSticker emphasizes abundance and sensuality, FruitScripts, through its combination with book pages, shows that community arises not only from food but also from stories and language.

Both works combine classical symbols (cherries, apples, pages of writing) with contemporary materials (stickers and lettering). This creates a dialogue between past and present, between cultural memory and today's everyday world.

Especially in winter, when fresh fruit is imported and stories are shared, these symbols gain significance. The artworks serve as a reminder that togetherness is visible not only in festive occasions but also in everyday life.

"Dancing Souls" embodies the joyful spirit of connection during the winter months, capturing the essence of togetherness through its dynamic forms and vibrant colors. The artwork evokes a sense of movement, much like the warmth and light that spreads during communal gatherings. Fröhlink skillfully utilizes mixed media to create a tactile experience that invites viewers to explore the deep bonds shared between souls during this magical season. This piece highlights how light can unite us, fostering a sense of warmth and belonging even on the coldest winter days.

In "Freedom," Fröhlink explores the concept of freedom through the expressive use of light and color. The vibrant hues contrast with a cooler background, symbolizing the warmth of human connection amidst the harshness of winter. The interplay of light within the composition suggests that freedom does not exist in isolation but flourishes within relationships and community. This artwork reveals that true freedom unfolds when individuals come together and illuminate each other's paths.

The artwork depicts a stylized female figure whose face glows in warm shades of yellow and pink, while the background is rendered in deep blue and violet. Above her float circular, luminous forms reminiscent of stars or light sources. The dove of peace —a universal symbol of hope and unity—lends the image a distinct spiritual dimension.

Color and light effect: The high-contrast color scheme creates an almost transcendent atmosphere. The warm yellow of the face seems to glow from within, as if the light itself were a symbol of inner warmth and compassion. This inner radiance is strongly related to the exhibition's theme, which understands light as a bearer of hope in the darkness of winter.

Symbolic level: The connection between woman and dove can be interpreted as an expression of peace, care and inner strength – values that are particularly present during the winter season of reflection and community.

"In the mountains": This work unfolds a multi-layered, almost geological structure. The cool blue and gray tones evoke a feeling of ice, snow, and silence, while subtle light effects create a mysterious depth. The surface resembles a frozen landscape, concealing traces of human presence and memory.

"In the mountains" is symbolic of the majesty and solitude of winter – a world where light meets stone and silence becomes a form of sublimity. It embodies the magic of light as a creative force that reveals beauty and life even in the cold.

"Don't overthink it": This work is more complex and introspective. Warm reds, ochres, and blues overlap with figurative and abstract elements. The composition resembles a mosaic of thoughts, memories, and emotions.

Here, Krenz explores the inner interplay – the dialogue between mind and emotion, between chaos and clarity. The title, "Don't Break Your Head," refers to letting go and accepting the uncontrollable – a thought that takes on particular significance in winter, a time for retreat and reflection.

Günter Krenz's works are a philosophical and visual exploration of the theme "Winter Wonderland: The Magic of Light and Togetherness" . They bring an intellectual and emotional balance to the exhibition by showing that light is not only a physical but also a spiritual phenomenon – a symbol of knowledge, connection, and hope.

"Path of Light" invites viewers to embark on a journey through a tranquil winter landscape where light takes center stage, enveloped in gentle silence. The composition's soft hues and gentle brushstrokes create an ethereal quality, symbolizing the warmth that light brings even to the chilly embrace of winter. This artwork fosters a connection with nature and a sense of peace during the winter months. Diekmann's use of light as a guiding force in this work underscores how enlightenment can lead us to a deeper understanding and appreciation of our surroundings and of one another.

"Embrace the Unknown" challenges viewers to confront the uncertainties that often accompany winter. Through abstract forms and layers of color, Diekmann creates an atmosphere that resonates with feelings of vulnerability and exploration. The interplay of light in this work symbolizes hope and transformation, inviting us to discover the beauty of the unknown. This artwork aligns with the exhibition's theme, addressing how light can reveal new paths and foster connections between individuals, even in times of uncertainty and introspection.

"Cold Shores" captures the essence of wintry, rugged beauty, revealing the delicate interplay of light on icy surfaces. Biel's use of mixed media enhances the artwork's textural qualities, inviting viewers to experience the chill of the coast while simultaneously feeling the warmth of the light radiating through the cold. This piece demonstrates how moments of connection with nature in winter can evoke feelings of warmth and companionship, even in solitude.

"Frozen Time" invites contemplation of the stillness and serenity that winter brings. The artwork's layered textures and tranquil color palette evoke a sense of pause and reflection, mirroring the quiet moments that can inspire deeper connections between people. This piece fits perfectly with the exhibition's theme, as it embodies the magic of light in winter—how it can illuminate hidden beauty and provide a space for gathering and sharing in a world that often feels hectic and alienated.

"Hold Me" expresses the longing for connection and warmth during the cold winter months. Hindes masterfully combines acrylic and oil applications to create a texture that conveys the gentle embrace of community. The interplay of warm colors against cooler shades reflects the duality of winter—where the cold can be a time of solitude, but also a period that nurtures relationships and warmth. This piece showcases the beauty of togetherness, even when confronted with the harshness of winter.

"Deep Dive" invites viewers to embark on an introspective journey, delving into the depths of their own emotions and experiences, especially during the reflective winter season. The vibrant colors, combined with the richness of the oil paint, create an immersive experience that encourages contemplation and self-discovery. This artwork resonates with the exhibition's theme, highlighting the potential for inner light and understanding that can emerge during the darker months and emphasizing how this time can be a transformative period for personal relationships and inner growth.

"Black and White" explores the contrasting emotions often felt during the winter months. Through the striking interplay of light and shadow, Botzum captures the essence of solitude and contemplation inherent in this season. The mixed-media approach lends the work depth and complexity, inviting the viewer to engage with the textures and forms. This artwork reflects how moments of introspection can illuminate shared human experiences and foster connections, even in the cold of winter.

"One Way" represents a journey that emphasizes the idea of moving forward despite life's challenges, a theme that resonates particularly strongly during the reflective winter season. The vibrant acrylic colors, interwoven with profound symbolism, express hope and resilience. This artwork illustrates the paths that light can illuminate, leading people toward community and warmth despite the adversity often felt during the colder months.

Nia Steck's art unfolds a fascinating, organic visual language that interweaves nature, movement, and energy. Her art makes light perceptible not as an external phenomenon, but as an inner life principle.

The artist translates light into a pulsating, almost physical structure. The lines and color gradients are reminiscent of veins through which energy and warmth flow – a symbol of the life force that continues to operate beneath the surface even in winter.

Plant forms and organic lines merge into a network that evokes growth, rootedness, and interdependence. In this way, her art alludes to the interconnectedness of all life forms – to the silent communication between nature, humanity, and light.

The combination of pastel, charcoal, acrylic, and watercolor creates an interplay of transparency and density. The delicate transitions seem to breathe, as if the light itself were flowing through the layers.

Work 1: Interwoven Textures (90 × 90 cm)

This work unfolds a dynamic, almost woven composition of lines, branches, and leaves, rendered in warm, earthy, yet luminous hues. The combination of acrylic, pastel, and charcoal creates a tactile depth reminiscent of the interplay between nature and the seasons.

In the context of "Winter Wonderland," this work represents the intertwining of warmth and cold, of light and shadow – a symbol of human connection during the dark season. The delicate transitions between the layers of color evoke the shimmering of winter light filtering through branches and create an atmosphere of quiet togetherness.

Work 2: Plant Lines (70 × 100 cm)

Here, a rhythmic, almost dance-like movement of natural forms unfolds. Light pastel shades contrast with darker lines, creating a feeling of vibrancy and renewal.

This work can be read as a metaphor for hope and reawakening – themes closely linked to the wintry symbolism of light and community. The delicate lines are reminiscent of the fragile yet enduring life that persists beneath the surface, even in winter.

Both works by Nia Steck contribute significantly to the atmosphere of the exhibition “Winter Wonderland: The Magic of Light and Togetherness” .

They combine organic forms with emotional warmth, show light as a unifying element, and reflect the interaction between nature and man in a contemporary way.

These works are ideally suited to creating a poetic, contemplative haven of peace within the exhibition – a place where the audience can perceive the subtle transitions between winter, light and inner connection.

The painting depicts a narrow river winding its way through a dense forest. Sunbeams break through the canopy and reflect off the water's surface, creating a fascinating interplay of light, movement, and depth.

The cool blue tones of the water stand in harmonious contrast to the earthy greens of the trees and the golden light of the sun. This color composition creates an atmosphere of both tranquility and vibrancy – the water flows, the light dances, nature breathes.

The perspective lines of the river draw the viewer's gaze into the depths of the image. This creates a feeling of immersion in nature , almost like a meditative walk through the forest.

The work can be read as a metaphor for the flow of life – a symbol of movement, change, and continuity. In the context of "Winter Wonderland: The Magic of Light and Togetherness," the river represents what connects us: water as the element that nourishes all life, and light as the force that provides orientation and hope.

The moment when light falls through the trees points to the magic of the everyday – those quiet, almost inconspicuous moments when nature and soul come into harmony.

Teodora Dumitrache's "Glamour Contemporan" collection adds a special touch to the exhibition, showcasing handcrafted jewelry that transcends mere ornamentation. Each piece is a manifestation of Teodora's belief that accessories can enhance a person's appearance and express the essence of their individual personality. Crafted from unique materials, these accessories possess their own energy and charm, making them not only exquisite additions to any collection but also perfect gifts for the festive season. The designs reflect the elegance and timelessness of semiprecious stones, serving as reminders of the inner strength and joy they symbolize. As winter unfolds its serene charm, these handcrafted jewels invite connection and celebration within the community, embodying the spirit of togetherness as guests discover and share a delightful selection of artistic treasures this Christmas.

Tino Gerlach's "Nude" embodies the essence of winter light, offering a powerful depiction of form and emotion against a backdrop of tranquility. Gerlach's mixed-media technique invites viewers to interpret the interplay of color and texture, reminiscent of the soft, diffused light filtering through winter mist. His work evokes a sense of warmth and connection, reflecting how intimate moments can shine in the cold and foster relationships through shared experiences. The figure's elegance and simplicity harmonize with the theme of togetherness, inviting visitors to reflect on their own connections as they immerse themselves in the enchanting glow of this winter artwork.

Zaineb Alaoui's works "Tiffany" and "Mintgold" offer an exploration of color and light, capturing the spirit of winter's transformation. Using vibrant acrylics and a striking use of mixed media, Alaoui evokes the interplay of light, reminiscent of winter's gentle glow. "Tiffany" draws the viewer into a world of serene beauty, while "Mintgold" blends elegance with warmth, harmonizing with themes of connection and light. Each piece invites reflection on the shared moments of joy the season brings and encourages visitors to embrace the sense of community that flourishes during the winter months.

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Exhibition dates: December 5, 2025 to February 20, 2026

Location: GRACE DENKER GALLERY, Hammerbrookstraße 93, 20097 Hamburg.

Opening: March 28, 2025, 6:30 p.m.

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