Johanna Reich (born 9 September 1977, Minden) is a German contemporary artist whose work explores the intersection of digital and analog visual worlds. Known for her interdisciplinary approach, she integrates video art, performance, photography, and painting.[1]. Reich's work frequently examines themes of perception, reality, and digital transformation, often investigating the boundaries between physical and virtual realms, as well as the relationship between the viewer and the artwork. Her art is rooted in conceptual research, addressing historical gaps, coding complexities, and the influence of databases on image production [2].

Biography

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Johanna Reich studied fine arts in Münster under Guillaume Bijl and Paul Isenrath, at the University of Fine Arts of Hamburg under Wim Wenders and at the Facultat de Belles Arts in Barcelona. She lives and works in Germany[3]

Awards and Shows

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  • 2024: Liminal Stages. Wind H Art Center Beijing, China[4]
  • 2023: GLITCH. The Art of Interference, Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich, Germany[5]
  • 2022: Girl meets Girl. Vestfossen Kunstlaboratorium, Norway[6]
  • 2018: Inner Nature. Äkkigalleria, Jyväskylä, Finland
  • 2017: Ornament and Obsession. Goethe Institut Paris, France
  • 2016: Discovery Award. Loop Festival Barcelona, Spain[7]
  • 2016: Statement 3: New Sculpture from Germany, Goethe Gallery Hong Kong, China
  • 2010: Freshpaint. Tel Aviv, Israel
  • 2007: Premi d’art digital. Igualada, Spain
  • 2007: 10th international Istanbul Biennial. Istanbul, Turkey
  • 2006: Nam June Paik National Award. Cologne, Germany
  • 2006: Excellence Prize. Japan Media Arts Festival[8]

Works

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One of the central motifs in Reich's early works is the idea of invisibility and disappearance, which she explores through various media. For example, in her video performances, she often uses digital manipulation techniques to create illusions that challenge the viewer's perception of reality. [9] By making herself or her subjects appear and disappear within these digital environments, Reich comments on the nature of digital existence and the ways in which technology can both reveal and obscure [10].

Reich has exhibited widely in both solo and group exhibitions at various prestigious institutions and galleries around the world. Her work has been featured in museums like the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography [11], at the KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada, as well as international art events and festivals [12]

Resurface

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In 2012, Reich launched Resurface, a long-term project highlighting underrepresented women artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. She creates Polaroid portraits of these artists, capturing the moment of their emergence during the development process, symbolizing their overlooked contributions to art history[13]

References

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  1. ^ https://lecube-art.com/artiste/johanna-reich/?lang=en
  2. ^ https://corporate.dw.com/en/johanna-reich-defending-freedom-of-expression-with-digital-media/a-53958561
  3. ^ "Johanna Reich". PRISKA PASQUER.
  4. ^ ""Liminal Stages: Explorations on Perception, Existence, and Techno-consciousness" at Wind H Art Center, Beijing — Mousse Magazine and Publishing". www.moussemagazine.it. August 30, 2024.
  5. ^ "GLITCH". Pinakothek der Moderne.
  6. ^ https://www.jarilagergallery.com/exhibitions/114-vestfossen-girl-meets-girl-annie-morris-aurora-reinhard-camilla-lw-caroline-walker/press_release_text/
  7. ^ https://loop-barcelona.com/profile/johanna-reich/
  8. ^ "Art Division". JAPAN MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL.
  9. ^ https://videochannel.nmartproject.net/0709-german-videoartjohanna-reich/
  10. ^ https://www.artoronto.ca/?p=4627
  11. ^ https://j-mediaarts.jp/en/about/archive/10th/index-2.html
  12. ^ https://priskapasquer.art/portfolio-item/reichjohanna/#cv
  13. ^ https://fisheyemagazine.fr/article/refaire-surface/