Three questions forAndy Gellenberg

Your new art project Phaces was created during a phase of your life when you were not doing so well. Did your state of mind have anything to do with the general situation during the pandemic?

I think all of us struggle with our demons from time to time. And especially as a self-employed artist, one is often exposed to self-doubt and existential fears. So it wasn't the first time I felt that way. The pandemic and the lockdown made the whole situation even worse. I love travelling and being around people. All that is missing. On top of that, there was a financial bottleneck. I had the feeling I didn't know what to do next. I was just procrastinating.

Whom did you portray?

None of the abstract portraits depict a specific person. Even the names and silhouettes are completely fictitious. That was important to me. People all over the world share the same feelings and fears. No matter what skin colour, religion or social status.

What gave you the creative drive?

I knew that at some point I would just have to start working creatively again. After all, that's how I earn my money. But first and foremost, it was important to notice and accept my negative feelings without judging myself for them. That's where the drive to process these emotions artistically came from, because I knew that many people out there felt the same way.