My First Solo Exhibition – It Was Magical!

I’m Irène, 30 years old, born and raised in Vienna, and I have fulfilled a dream: my very first solo exhibition! What once was just a vague idea turned into one of the most beautiful days of my life.

How It All Began

For eleven years, art has been an essential part of my life. Once a week, mostly on Thursdays, I met with an art therapist. During these sessions, I learned to express my emotions through colors, explore my creativity, and discover different techniques. From colored pencils to oil pastels, pastels, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, Indian ink, and charcoal – I have tried almost everything. The only thing that never really clicked with me was working with clay.

Despite all this passion, the question remained: Can you even make a living from art these days? Is creativity still valued in our world?

A Space for My Art

In July 2024, I faced a new challenge: no more space at home! Canvases were piling up, materials were filling shelves – it was simply getting too crowded. I started searching for a solution, but studio spaces were either too expensive or not properly equipped.

Then I saw it: an Instagram ad for a contest. The Werksalon Co-Working Space was looking for creative people for their project “Creative Call for Creatives” – offering the chance to work there for free for three months. Without thinking twice, I applied. I submitted a video application, filled out the form – and then it all began. My goal was clear: within this time, I wanted to organize my first exhibition.

My Creative Playground: The Werksalon

The Werksalon is a co-working space for crafts and design in Vienna. It brings together tailors, woodworkers, knitwear and textile artists – and now, me as a painter! The open and inspiring environment gave me so much new energy that I couldn’t wait to start creating my artwork there.

From Idea to Exhibition

A new environment, new people – and suddenly, a plan. I didn’t just want my first event to be an exhibition; I wanted it to be an experience. In just two days, we transformed the Werksalon into a small gallery. And then? More than 70 people came! Way more than I ever expected. The response?

Absolutely overwhelming! Positive feedback, great conversations, and even my first inquiries for commissioned work. I never imagined my art could touch so many people.

Art Without Titles – A Dialogue with You

I don’t give my paintings names. Not because I can’t think of anything, but because words are often insufficient. The colors, the shapes, the emotions – the painting speaks for itself. I love when viewers discover their own stories in my artwork. If my art makes you think or evokes emotions, then I have achieved my goal.

From Traditional to Digital Art

As a media designer and artist, I constantly ask myself: How else can I express my creativity? I firmly believe that art is not limited to paper or canvas. That’s why I ventured into digital art – and the exciting thing is: at first glance, my digital pieces are almost indistinguishable from my traditional works!

So What’s Next?

One thing is certain: painting stays. The Werksalon is a huge source of inspiration for me, and I will continue to unleash my creativity there. However, I don’t want my art to become just a business. The moment money becomes the main focus, art loses its magic – and I want to avoid that.