Julia Obermaier. Hochschule Trier. Selected Graduate 2016

Hochschule Trier, Idar-Oberstein, Germany.

Julia Obermaier - (Sur)face the space.
Private space. Working area. The distance between people. The distance between the world and me. Space is a really important subject for me. If someone is crossing the borders of my spaces without permission, it causes a bad feeling within me. That is why I try to protect them as much as possible. But in daily life, one cannot always keep direct surroundings and personal space in their preferred way. This is because our outside world is always in relation with other people and circumstances.
 
To build my own spaces I cut slices out of agate or rock crystal. They represent rooms, spaces, containers, boxes or little caves.  Some of my works have empty spaces with corners or nooks, while others have an inner life through engravings I cut within the pieces. I am generating space which can be filled with ones own personal feelings, perceptions and sensations. I see my work as containers protecting the innermost emotions of the viewer or wearer.
 
In contrast to the large space around us filled with other people, I see these pieces as a part of ourselves. They are little copies of the viewer or the wearer. The space inside is reserved for what people find within themselves. The outside surrounding, which is not always controllable for us, becomes the protector of what lies within the piece.  The wearer can then decide if and who is allowed to approach the work, take a look or even touch it. The pieces embody ideas of a second skin and soul protector from the outside world.  They are meant to induce a comforting feeling of inner silence for the wearer, that they can use to confront a busy world. 
 
 
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