Cathrin Hoffmann’s Story
What did you make during residency?
During my 4 weeks at PLOP I had a balanced time with work, socializing, cultural input and some fun after-work beers. I was working on three paintings for an upcoming duo show at the time. Although it was the first time I was working in a shared studio with other artists at the same time, we were all able to focus on our individual projects, with the nice side effect of being creatively stimulated by each other and sharing critiques if we wanted to. We started around 9am, often had lunch together and Oli shared a schedule of exhibitions and other cultural events for us on a printed paper that we could interactively expand. So it was a lively month, compressed with lots of art and new people to meet and connect with.
What motivated you to apply?
I discovered Oli's art via Instagram and followed him. When he shared some glimpses of his residency in his story, I thought this is the perfect unpretentious environment of a young, ambitious art world that I would like to connect with and just applied. It was my first residency ever and I was completely new to the art world at the time and didn't have any kind of network or much experience in painting.
What are your favourite memories of London whilst taking part in PLOP?
A general favourite memory is the chance to talk and share thoughts with so many interesting people. I felt like I finally found the kids on the playground I wanted to play with, including befriending another resident, Hunter Potter. I also had the chance to see such a huge amount of art every day in galleries, museums and studio visits. This was an immense creative input for me. Not to mention that I met lovely Alex and Harry, the founder of the gallery PUBLIC, which now represents me.
What connections did you make whilst taking part in the residency?
It's hard to say how many artists I met during that time. I would say at least 20, with whom I am still friends and in constant contact - with some more, with some less intensively. I also met a handful of great collectors with whom I am also still on friendly terms. The same goes for gallery directors and owners, as I said, I was put in touch with PUBLIC gallery, who then offered me my very first solo show in London, which eventually led to a friendship with the same visions and ideas for collaboration in the future.
What have you been up to in the last 18 months since PLOP?
Since PLOP in June 2019, many exciting events have come my way. International online and analogue magazines have covered my art such as Juxtapoz Magazine, Hybeast Art, Monopol Magazine, Parnass Magazine, This Is Tomorrow etc. For example, I have been a part of exhibitions and art fairs in London, Amsterdam, New York, Berlin and even a show during Art Basel in Miami. I was also part of a museum exhibition in Germany and soon I will be part of the Palazzo Monti Residency and other exciting exhibitions like an upcoming duo show at Gallery Tanja Wagner in Berlin and more news which I will announce soon.
