Discover the contemporary work of Martin kerntke

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Kerntke was born in 1955 in Germany. For generations, many members of his family have been involved in art (graphic illustrator, actor, ballet dancer, costume designer). His beloved grandfather, who was once an impressionist painter, particularly impressed him in his early youth. So, in addition to his work as a geologist, he continued this inherited talent and perfected it in a self-taught manner. He studied the techniques of modern artists by copying their style and eventually created his own. In addition, he was deeply stimulated by extensive travel and long stays in places like Borneo, Malawi, Nepal, North Africa, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Spain and Sumatra. In addition to his professional duties as a scientist and field geologist, he was able to deeply absorb the beauty of our planet, most of which was well documented with a camera. In addition, some offshore experiences on research vessels in recent years have broadened his insider's vision. His family often followed him on visits and he may have given his his daughter a source of inspiration for her own artistic career in Munich, while his parents remained based in Hamburg. Kerntke appreciates his home and studio in the city, which are nevertheless located in a protected landscape surrounded by forests, ponds and moors. For him, it is a perfect atmosphere to become one with nature through his art. A nature that deserves to be preserved.

Artistic approach

1955 : born in Hamburg
1957-1975 : Duisburg and Düsseldorf
1976-1986 : studied geosciences in Hamburg, graduated
1986-1992 : dissertation, promotion to Dr.rer.nat.
Self-taught painter
1987-1989 : scholarship holder of the German National Academic Foundation
1999 : establishment of a new studio
1999-today : lives and works on the Alster in Hamburg
1975-today : traveled to around 25 countries, geological studies in Germany on/offshore as well as in Austria, Greece, Tunisia, England, Norway, Spain, Philippines, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia and Malawi.