Portfolio of the Week: Alex Breitenstein June 25, 2009

Half a year ago, you learned about The Ruhr Metropolis in MINI International. We decided that it was time to take a closer look at the creative scene of this unanticipated urban hotspot. Enter Alexandra Breitenstein aka Alexotica, a photographer, illustrator and fashion designer from Dortmund. Q: Tell us a little bit about some of your recent and favorite projects. A: Three years ago, I spent almost half a year working on my dissertation project, a reinterpretation of the classic Alice in Wonderland. I designed and sewed costumes for all characters, then photographed these and dissected them digitally. I learned a lot about staying cool while implementing and managing a complex project. It was worth the effort - I graduated with distinction. Q: Do you consider yourself part of an artistic scene?  A: Here in the Ruhr Metropolis, a lot has been happening over the past 15 years everything is slowly but constantly changing.
I started making art within this change, therefore I am part of this change. In principle, I've always just done what I wanted. Q: Can you tell us what's coming up next for you? What are your future plans and where should we watch for your work next? A: Starting next month, I will be working on a book about Gudrin Kattke, an artist from Dortmund. Her work is in the tradition of Fluxus, Readymade, Dada. She has a three-story-studio where she collects her work an all sorts of objects that she finds (and that are yielded to her). Three floors full of strange objects - an incredible little shop of wonders! In addition I will be layouting an art-related periodical together with a friend of mine, a graphicdesigner, at the end of the year - a dream come true! Finally we'll be able to do handicrafts with scissors and paper again. Goodbye photoshop - Hooray! Q: How would you define artistic "success"? A: Creativity is important and makes life worth living - and artists need to be paid, end of story. Personally, I find it most important that my friends like my work and that they support me emotionally whenever I am doubting myself and my work. Q: Do you have a specific role models or a set of different people who inspire you?  A: At their core, all my works deal with the magic within our reality. I like to be enthralled, but I also value all things genuine, free and good. My biggest inspiration is the writer Tom Robbins. I love the art of Yoko Ono and the music of Nina Hagen, because both these girls are so incredibly vital, peculiar and genuine. Q: What are you working on right now and what are your future plans? A: For now: Be creative. Be awake. Stay alive. Related Links MySpace Alexotica's Website