Anja Wülfings earlier works explored the tension between tradition and modernity. Her large-scale portraits combined classical oil painting techniques with abstract interventions—creating a visual dialogue of contrasts.
Her current series shifts toward a quieter, more reduced visual language. These portraits appear contemplative, even dreamlike. The figures exude a sense of gentle contentment, as if immersed in inner experience. Their expressions remain open, inviting reflection rather than demanding interpretation. The compositions are calm and spacious. A muted palette and minimal settings draw attention to the presence of the figure. Faces and skin are delicately rendered, while clothing and hair are painted in broader, more simplified areas—emphasizing the emotional focus on the person’s inner state.Wülfing paints in oil on canvas. Her process is intuitive and slow, following no strict plan. Each painting evolves organically, shaped by the artist’s response to mood and form. It is not about storytelling, but about evoking a subtle emotional frequency—something quietly resonant beneath the surface.
These works invite stillness. They are not meant to be “read” quickly, but rather felt over time. They open a space—for attention, resonance, and a moment of quiet presence.
Anja Wülfing merges the elegance of classical portraiture with the spontaneity of abstract art, creating a visual symphony where tradition and innovation coexist. Her oil paintings on meticulously sewn canvases blend with vibrant acrylics, embodying the beauty of contrasts. Represented by the "The Arx Gallery" in London, Wülfing's work, inspired by masters of the Renaissance and Neoclassicism invite viewers to find balance in the convergence of beautiful figures and abstract shapes. Her art is a tangible realization of inner thought and emotion, crafting a narrative within each piece.
(Kaleido.art)
Wülfing expertly merges contrasting elements within her creations, where the traditional allure of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism converges with abstract styles, reflecting her dual creative passions. Her compositions come alive through a dynamic interplay of contrasts - from light and dark, to dynamic and static, all gracefully held in delicate equilibrium. This dance of styles mesmerizes, with each element enriching the other in a harmonious synergy. Wülfing's artistry is born from a meticulous process that harmonizes proven techniques with contemporary expressions. The canvas hosts both oil-painted figures and freely abstract elements, giving birth to one-of-a-kind 'frequencies' of emotion, masterfully woven through colors and shapes.
(The ARX London)
Anja Wülfing (b. 1969) hails from Cologne, Germany, where she currently lives and works. Her artistic practice centers on the exploration of contrasts and oppositions, which she attributes to the duality of her creative impulses - one drawn to the traditional forms of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism, and the other to the abstract styles of painting.
Wülfing’s works are characterized by the harmonious fusion of opposing elements - figuration meets abstraction, tradition meets progression - achieved through the combination of different surfaces and painting techniques. By sewing together fine and coarse canvas fabrics and painting classic elements in oil and abstract ones with acrylics, pencils, and markers, the artist creates a unified whole out of seemingly disparate parts.
In the composition and coloration of her works, Wülfing employs oppositional contrasts, such as light/dark, dynamic/static, strict/playful, and crowded/empty. Yet, she maintains a delicate balance between the two opposing elements, avoiding the dominance of one over the other. The styles seem to be competing for attention, but ultimately, they mutually benefit from each other’s presence.
The painting process is planned and meticulous, with the artist referring to the tried and tested, the familiar, the slowly grown, the matured, and the old. The figures are painted in oil, while the free abstract elements are added with acrylic paint, pencils, and markers. By merging the expressive possibilities of modern painting with the timeless techniques of the old masters, Wülfing creates unique “frequencies” of attitude or mood through the interplay of shapes and colors.
(London Paint Club / Kell Forster)
If you are interested in purchasing a painting, please contact me info@anjawuelfing.de to check availability and pricing. Thank you very much!