Willi Kissmer Bio

Willi Kissmer's expressive and exaggerated interpretation of detail is a trait that permeates the body of his art that can be described as sensual, provocative, technical and mysterious. Born in Duisburg, Germany, Kissmer studied at the Folkwangscule, University of Essen and later taught printmaking at the University of Duisberg. A range of warm tones and the talent to bring electrifying edge to his subject, in part, links Kissmer's art to a long tradition of realism in northern European painting. The foundation of his art is in his passion for the still life. Theses elements can include combinations of the female figure, everyday objects and residential architecture. The artist employs combinations of etching, aquatint, drypoint and mezzotint techniques on his copperplates. The subjects interchange of folds, texture and light have the effect of transforming a commonplace subject into something extraordinary. The result is not just a visual experience, but also a unique personal journey.