Artist Interview – PLATUX Art
The philosopher artist
Published in PANORAMA
Online Article: gulftoday.ae | The philosopher artist
by Manjula Ramakrishnan
German artist Andreas Denstorf alias Platux has a story to tell through his exhibition titled Flamboyant Impressions. The photo-artworks event is his solo outing and is curated by Kurt Blum, Founder, Swiss Art Gate UAE. Being held at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, the exhibition will be on till March 4, 2017.
Platux is the name you use as an artist; does this have a relation to your art?
Platux is actually a word play. It is a combination of the philosopher Platon and the Latin word ‘lux’ meaning light. My photo art is based on bright luminous colours and a deep sense of philosophy. The combination of Platon and lux depicted my art beautifully and Platux became my adopted name.
What is unique about Flamboyant Impressions?
My artworks have many dimensions. There are layers and mirror effects presented using beautiful colourful elements. Each level, each layer tells a tale and I invite the observer to step into these layers and enjoy the sense of beauty that lies in there. There are a total of 20 Platux artworks in Flamboyant Impression, in various sizes and using different materials. For instance, a light art object from the Grand Mosque, a flamboyant Toskana, desert fox, Emirates Palace acrylic circle, metallic styled Ferrari and Lamborghini are some of the other exhibits.
What has served as your inspiration?
A picture is worth a thousand words and each artwork of mine follows a certain feeling, a distinct emotion. Hence everything around me serves as an inspiration. For instance, a sundown picture with people standing under palms, with the majestic tree reflected in all its glory — something as simple as this creates a huge impact on me and I reach out to capture that moment. Life in itself, with all its vagaries, is a huge inspiration.
So how do you pick your subjects?
I often feel the subject chooses me. Before every exhibition, I take time off to first visit the country and talk to the locals. Each interaction, each aspect of the country and its natural elements forms fantastic subjects for my creativity. I stay connected with the region I work in and am constantly inspired by everything around me. For example, I visited the Grand Mosque and the Emirates Palace and that gave me two of my favourite exhibits. But what I call as the Platux masterpiece in Flamboyant Impressions is the ‘Art Dubai Marina Skyline’ which was also shown earlier in Louvre Paris. This was a picture taken in early 2011.
Where else have you exhibited?
I have exhibited in Dubai in 2011. Since then I have held events in Canada, France, Germany and Switzerland. A solo exhibition at the Louvre remains one of my favourites. Besides these, my work was included in the art book International Art Today 2016 and I have been on the cover of Interior Design magazine. My website www.platux.com offers a virtual presentation of my works.
What has been the most satisfying response to your work?
The response of observers is a constant source of gratification for the hours spent in creating each picture. People react differently to different visuals; certain pictures may possibly touch a chord and make it personal for them, or give them good energy or make them happy. I feel most rewarded when they ask questions about my work and tell me that it reflects their moods and memories. Besides, my Platux Country Editions have built cultural and diplomatic bridges in the past and present. Case in point being the 15 sq m acoustic art work titled Brandenburg Gate Berlin that occupies pride of place in the German Consulate in Sydney and the Art Dubai Marina Skyline in the Swiss General Consulate, Dubai.
How does acoustics feature in your works?
Altogether nine Acoustic-Artworks are part of the Flamboyant Impressions in Abu Dhabi. This will include sound effects with the work and lend a brand new dimension to the exhibits.
Are there early qualities that indicate the birth of an artist?
I believe that everyone is born as an artist. Except that our talents are different. And each of us derives happiness from those little slivers of creativity that resides in us.
What will you be working on in the immediate future?
I am currently creating the Platux Royal and Castle Collection. Simultaneously work is on for my next art exhibition in Paris in November followed by Art Basel in June 2017. The journey is exciting and I cannot possibly ask for more.
