I am Elke Bügler, an expressive abstract artist living in Potsdam, Germany. My joy in creative expression literally took on a life of its own when I began to express myself in colors and textures on canvas. This art has challenged and captivated me, and I follow it unconditionally.
Even as a child, I was very curious and always read a lot to satisfy my thirst for knowledge. However, I soon discovered that every question answered always raises new questions or leads to further facets and perspectives that then need to be explored. I am inspired by the fundamental questions of life, existence and our impact on the environment. Where do we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going? What does it mean to live? What can we achieve? How can we develop as conscious human beings? Life as a human being in philosophical, scientific and spiritual terms.
Through my art, I explore these questions in the present moment, considering our influence on life and the Earth. My work is shaped by my life experience and my desire to understand life. Witnessing the moment of my mother's death had a profound and life-changing effect on me. It was an experience that shook me to the core, touched me deeply and changed my perspective forever. Translating these themes into my art has enabled me to reflect more deeply than mere reading, understanding and thinking, thus allowing me to gain deeper insights.
With my art, I aim to engage all conscious and art-interested individuals by using my artwork to encourage them to explore the subject matter.
Based on the assumption that the unconscious carries the wisdom of this world within itself and produces clearer insight, I see my art as an opportunity to reach other people on this level. I communicate through colors and shapes to address the subconscious and emotions, thereby evoking deeper reflection.
For me, the process always begins with the idea of the theme I want to portray. My artworks are characterised by clear content, brought to life by abstract elements and emphasised by intense colours.
Since my studio is also my living space, I work with acrylic paints. They are versatile and highly pigmented. I now prefer to work with thin layers of paint, i.e. glazes in similar shades, complemented by impasto elements and textures. I use a palette knife and spatulas for the details and broad brushes for the background and large areas of colour. I also like to experiment with unconventional materials to create special effects and accents.
The fundamental elements of my art are forms and structures that are understood as archetypal, depicted either clearly or abstractly, or a combination of both. I base the composition on a dominant colour and use a few additional shades to develop the expression. I often reduce the composition to one color in nuances, monochromatic, inspired by artists who express themselves through their exploration of color and its effects.
I was moved by the artistic work of Hilma af Klint, who translated her own vision of understanding life in order to present it to humanity. She also incorporated archetypal elements into her abstract compositions and colour schemes.
My art thrives on the tension between colors and the various elements of an image, some of which appear deliberate and others random. With each piece, I embark on a creative process, allowing the artwork to unfold gradually and organically. Independent of trends and influences, this is how my personal expression and distinctive art emerge.
AWARDS
Int Prize Poseidon, King of the Lagoon, Effetto Arte Foundation, Nov. 2025
The Denis Diderot Grant, Chateau d’Orquevaux, France, Oct. 2025
Int. Prize Artists on the French Riviera, Effetto Arte Foundation, Sept. 2025
El Greco Fine Arts Award 2025, ICM Gestora Cultural Spain, August 2025
Collectors Art Prize, Contemporary Art Curator Magazine, August 2025
International Prize Leonardo Da Vinci, Effetto Arte Foundation, June 2025
The New Great Masters in New York, Effetto Arte Foundation, April 2025
Premier Artist Prize 2025, Contemporary Art Station, March 2025
Artist of the Year 2025, Effetto Arte Foundation, January 2025
PUBLICATIONS
Jubilee of hope: art as a way of rebirth, curator Minoca Ferrarini, Gangemi Editore International, Edition 2025
Art Shibuya Book, Contemporary Art Statin, 2025
Noble Art Conversations, Contemporary Art Collectors, 2025
Master Artists to Collect, Issue 4.2025, Effetto Arte Foundation
Artista Index, ICM Gestora Cultural Spain, Aug. 2025
Artist Spotlight, Contemporary Art Curator Magazine, 2025
Most Investable Artists, Art Market Experts, June 2025
Premier Artist Prize Book, ICM, 2025
Master Artists to collect, Issue 3.2025, Effetto Arte Foundation
Master Artists to collect, Issue 2.2025, Effetto Arte Foundation
Master Artists to collect, Issue 1.2025, Effetto Arte Foundation
Masterful Minds Magazine, Artists to watch 2024, Vol. 3, July 2024
Artist CloseUp Magazine Blog, Oct. 2023
THE CRYPT GALLERY, London, "Artexpetise Gallery on Tour", Dec. 2025
ARTEXPERTISE GALLERY, Cannes, "Natale in Cote d'Azur", Dec. 2025
SWISSARTEXPO, Zurich, Artboxy digital, Aug. 2025
CIVIC MUSEUM VILLA PAOLINA, Viareggio, „Timeless Expressions“, July 2025
CONTEMPORARY ART STATION, Tokyo, „Shibuya Art Station“, July 2025
MUSEO E FONDAZ. VENANZO CROCETTI, Rome, „Floating Worlds“, June 2025
GALLERY 4%, San Francisco, Solo Show onl., „Painted Impulse“, May-July 2025
TAPROPANE AT HUB IMPACT ROME, Rome, „Dreams of Matter“, May 2025
ART EXPO New York, Artboxy digital, March 2025
ARTBOX.PROJECT Venezia 2.0, Biennale Art 2024, Venice, April 2024
BORGO PIO Art Gallery, Rome, "Rhapsody", March 2024
ANDAKULOVA Gallery, Dubai, Artboxy digital, 2024 - 25
THOMSON Gallery Zug, Artboxy digital, 2024 - 25
NICOLETA Gallery, Berlin, Artboxy digital, 2024 - 25
ANDIE Art Gallery, Athens, Artboxy digital, 2024 - 25
CASA DEL ARTE, Palma de Mallorca, Artboxy digital, 2024 - 25
THE STAGE GALLERY, Bonn, „Winter Special Show“, Dec. 2023
TERVARNA GALLERY, Los Angeles, Online Solo Exhibition since Oct. 2023
ARTREPRENEUR, New York, Artist Showroom Online since Sept. 2023
SWISSARTEXPO, Zurich, Sept. 2023
ARTBOXY Zug / Switzerland, Online Gallery since 2023
LUNA GRANDE Art Gallery, Istanbul, „Abstract Infinity“, July 2023
