LIGHTSTONE invited German gallerist and graphic designer Yvonne Quirmbach to talk about her work, the intersection of creativity and politics, as well as the three motives she visualized for our YQ Edition.
Could you tell us a bit about your beginnings? In particular your work as a designer and gallery owner. How do you manage combining these passions?
The intersection of both professions is artists. Both as a designer and gallery
owner, I work with them to present their artwork, either in a book or in exhibition
space. From the beginning, my work in both fields has developed in parallel:
studying visual communication, assisting an artist, opening a project space,
designing the first looks, participating in an art fair, developing the CI for
museums or biennials. Everything is in a natural flow…
How does the process of designing make you feel? What influences your work the most?
I am in the fortunate position that I love my work, so going to the office every day
is very satisfying and fulfilling. There is nothing in particular for me that influences
me the most – maybe life.
Have you ever done ‘political’ design before? Our collaboration involves merging your artistic vision with the charity's mission. How do you feel about contributing to our project, creatively and personally?
Basically, everything one does, develops or decides is political, consciously or
unconsciously, everything has an impact on social interaction and the
environment. In this project, I was inspired by your charitable commitment and
the medium (T-shirt).
Could you elaborate on the motive IN COOPERATION & IN HARMONY?
I saw this saying many years ago in a commercial from the 90s and it stuck in my
mind. It seems to still have meaning today.
What is the inspiration behind A LIFETIME OF BROKEN DREAMS?
The text sounds like a song, but I'm not sure. In any case, it describes the reality
of many people, which is characterized by disappointment and hope, which
seems to be the motor of life.
How can we best interpret WE MEET?
We, me, and an alien.
In which way are the three motives relating to the war in Ukraine?
There is no direct connection with the war, it is rather about a positive mood that
should exist everywhere in the world.
Did the war change the perception of political or every-day-life topics, for you personally and within your surroundings?
Yes.
What gives you hope for the future?
People.
