Bertermann Art — Contemporary Painting Between Abstraction and Figuration

My work as an artist is rooted in a continuous exploration of material, form, and perception. On bertermann.art, I present my practice as a contemporary painter working between abstraction and figuration, informed by material research, painterly tradition, and personal artistic heritage. Each artwork is conceived as an independent object—one that exists beyond representation and invites a direct, physical encounter. Contemporary Abstract and Figurative Painting At the core of my practice are both abstract paintings and figurative works. While abstraction allows me to focus on structure, rhythm, and surface, figuration introduces the human presence—often reduced, fragmented, or emotionally charged rather than descriptive. My figurative paintings are strongly influenced by German Expressionism, particularly its emphasis on emotional intensity, distortion, and the expressive power of color and gesture. Rather than realism, I am interested in psychological presence and atmosphere, using the figure as a carrier of tension, vulnerability, and inner states. German Expressionist Roots and Painterly Tradition My artistic roots are closely connected to the legacy of German Expressionist painting, where form and color serve emotional truth rather than visual accuracy. This influence is reflected in my approach to composition, brushwork, and the balance between control and rawness. At the same time, my work remains firmly situated in a contemporary context. Historical references are not quotations, but foundations—elements that are reinterpreted through a modern, material-driven practice. Material, Scale, and Space Materiality plays a central role in my work. I approach paint as substance rather than surface—layering, scraping, and reworking until the image reaches a point of tension and resolution. Many of my works are large-scale paintings, developed in direct relationship to architectural space. Light, texture, and spatial presence are essential considerations. My paintings are created to engage with their surroundings, whether in galleries, private collections, or architectural settings. Artistic Practice and Continuity My work is shaped by both contemporary discourse and artistic legacy. Questions of continuity, inheritance, and long-term practice are recurring themes. Painting, for me, is not a fixed statement, but an ongoing process of searching, refining, and responding. Through bertermann.art, I share insights into my studio practice, exhibitions, and current projects, offering a deeper look into my work as a contemporary artist working between abstraction, figuration, and expression. Published on bertermann.art, the official website of artist Claus Bertermann.