Born in Hamburg in 1990, Malwin Faber lives and works in Hamburg, with intermediate stops in Tel Aviv and Berlin. He draws immense energy from gestural abstraction in his paintings, making movement and dynamism visible. He counters this with precision stemming from sharply cut geometric forms and raster elements.
You’ve won the 2nd Open Call from New & Abstract – congratulations! What can we expect from your contribution to the upcoming group exhibition opening on 5 June?
Many thanks! I’m delighted to be part of the forthcoming GROUP SHOW with an entirely new body of work. I’m taking the opportunity to present these works directly on the wall, extending them into the space through mural painting.
How do you develop your work? Do you follow a structured process, or is your creative approach more intuitive?
I tend to work either in broader cycles or in series. There are recurring aspects of painting to which I devote myself over extended periods. At times, the act of painting gives rise to the unexpected – impulses that prompt me to explore new compositions or techniques. Several pieces often emerge in parallel. Within the various layers of my paintings, you’ll find highly spontaneous, gestural elements alongside meticulously executed details, for which I employ masking and cutting techniques.
I find that the process flows best when a variety of different things can develop simultaneously. It keeps the work dynamic – and makes it easier to embrace failed attempts, which are simply part of the journey.
Who or what are your primary sources of inspiration in your artistic practice?
I spend a great deal of time reflecting on the images I’m currently creating and considering what might come next. During this phase, I often draw inspiration from external impressions – be it a texture or a detail that catches my eye in daily life. Musical impressions also influence me: compositions with unique tonalities and rhythms can inspire painterly interpretations. Despite these influences, my process is ultimately introspective. Through experimentation and unexpected moments in the act of painting, I continually discover new paths and solutions.
You live and work in Hamburg, but are also regularly active in Berlin. How do you perceive the differences between the two art scenes – and what do you particularly appreciate about Hamburg?
I’m now much more deeply rooted in Hamburg than in Berlin, though I maintain close relationships with artists and galleries in both cities – and we continue to develop projects together. In Hamburg, I find it easier to stay engaged and keep an overview of what’s happening. What I particularly value about Hamburg is quite personal – it’s the people around me who shape my sense of place. That makes it difficult to generalise about the differences. Berlin, by contrast, continues to offer fresh creative impulses. I try to be there as often as possible and feel fortunate to call both cities home.
Your work feels highly distinctive while still resonating with a contemporary context. How important is exchange with other artists for you – and where does this typically take place?
I actively seek dialogue with fellow artists – especially through joint exhibitions and collaborative projects, which often lead to meaningful connections. Some of my friendships have grown out of contacts on social media. And many people from my university days remain significant in my life to this day.
Looking back on your artistic development – have there been key moments or turning points that have particularly influenced you?
My grandfather was a scenic painter at the Hamburg State Opera, and he instilled in me a fascination for that world from an early age. As a child, I was always allowed to experiment with paints and drawing materials in his studio – those experiences left a deep impression on me. Later on, studying art opened up new perspectives – particularly my time at Shenkar College in Israel proved formative. I experienced a rich cultural exchange there and was deeply inspired by the diverse cultural influences of the region. The vibrant art and cultural scene in Tel Aviv had a lasting impact on me.
What’s next? Is there a project or idea you’re currently working on that you can already share with us?
Up next is a collaborative exhibition with an artist I’ve only interacted with online so far – this will be our first real-life encounter, both creatively and personally. Together with Cologne-based artist Ben Post, I’ll be exhibiting our work on 14 and 15 June at Lycra in Hamburg. We are both musicians as well, and we intend to highlight the musical aspects of our painting in the show – and for the private view, we’ll be DJing together. Do come along!
Portraits by Jasmin Gritzka @jasmin.gritzka
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