Annkathrin Immler is an artist who sees the canvas as a space of pure freedom—a place where new possibilities can take shape. In this interview, she shares her creative process, the ideas behind her work, and how the world around her influences what she paints.

She talks about how music plays a big role in her art, how she balances beauty with deeper meaning, and why she doesn’t try to give answers but instead invites people to think and ask questions. She also reflects on the power of hope, the joy of creating, and how living between nature and the city has shaped her vision.

At its core, her art is about possibility. Her work encourages us to imagine a better world and find light even in challenging times.

Annkathrin Immler is a featured artist in our book “101 Art Book: Animal Edition .” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

Annkathrin Immler has actively exhibited her work across Europe and beyond, participating in numerous group and solo exhibitions. Since 2022, she has showcased her art at events such as K4 Nacht in Leutkirch, Kunst im Labor in Zurich, and Artmuc in Munich. Her work has been featured in international publications like Artistcloseup and Homes and Gardens UK, and she has exhibited in venues ranging from Isny’s Schiller metal workshop to New York’s Nomad Show via Golden Duck Gallery. In addition to returning to Artmuc and other major fairs, her 2024 schedule includes group exhibitions in Zug, Isny, and the Allgäuer Festwoche and a feature in the 101 Artbook Animal Edition.

Immler is often asked about the anarchist symbol she uses as her signature. She explains that, for her, anarchy represents the absence of rule. While she acknowledges that this concept is unrealistic in the real world, she believes it can come to life on the canvas. Her work often reflects on dysfunctional governance systems, the looming threat of climate catastrophe, and personal struggles with self-worth. Through her paintings, she poses the question: What if things were different?—Always maintain an optimistic view of the future.

She believes that fear of frustration prevents many people from imagining utopias. To her, having no vision for the future is a form of hopelessness. She wonders how the world might look if people allowed themselves to hope more. Quoting Oscar Wilde, she reflects on the idea that a world map without Utopia is not even worth glancing at. While grand utopias may fail or transform into something else, she sees them as achievable on the canvas. For her, a blank canvas represents absolute freedom—where even the inconceivable becomes possible.

Her creative process often begins with a vague idea that evolves organically as she works. She describes the freedom that comes from this flow as an indescribable feeling and is often surprised by the final outcome. She deeply resonates with Benedikt Wells’ statement that “art arises from necessity.”

Music plays a significant role in her art, with many of her paintings titled after songs or intertwined with musical influences. She loves the multidimensionality that emerges from this connection. Nighttime is her most productive period; there are no distractions, and focus comes naturally. She describes the feeling of waking up from a creative flow at 3:00 a.m. as one of her favorites.

Immler also questions the limitations of sticking to a single artistic style, wondering whether such constraints truly reflect today’s world. Her paintings blend expressionist depictions with graphic elements, impressionist moods, and graffiti. She acknowledges the influence of graphic design, fashion, interior design trends, and street art on modern aesthetics, whether consciously or unconsciously. By integrating these elements into her work, she aims to capture the ambivalence of contemporary life.

1. You describe a white canvas as pure freedom—how do you accept that freedom when you begin a new piece?  

For me, freedom means that the canvas is a blank slate on which anything from imagination can emerge. The creative process itself often broadens the horizon of possibility, allowing an even greater sense of liberty to unfold. Although I start with a rough idea, I know that the journey of creation will transform the final outcome. I embrace the unknown with curiosity and excitement.

Nighttime is my most productive period; there are no distractions, and focus comes naturally. The feeling of waking up from a creative flow at 3:00 a.m. is probably one of my favorites.

Annkathrin Immler

2. Your work balances beauty with deeper questions. How do you approach that duality in your art?

I believe art should invite contemplation, though the viewer must be able to engage with its deeper questions. That’s why I balance decorative elements with a resonant message. In practice, I highlight a section of the painting with detailed work while the rest dissolves into abstraction. This deliberate composition—and my use of bold hues softened with pastel tones—creates a visual appeal that mirrors our environment’s distortions, sparking further inquiry.

3.   How does today’s social and historical climate influence your creative choices?

The social and historical climate profoundly shapes my work, both consciously and subconsciously. I was raised convinced that hard work can change or achieve anything. Even though many people may not share this optimism in light of global politics, the climate crisis, and personal challenges, I believe the world would be better if everyone embraced that mindset. With my art, I strive to build utopias and inspire others to believe in a brighter future—the tougher the circumstances, the more vibrant my palette becomes.

4.  You’ve said you don’t aim to “point the finger” with your art—how do you raise questions without giving answers?  

Truth be told, I often don’t have all the answers myself. I believe that engaging in open dialogue with others can lead to a deeper, collective understanding. My art invites conversation—a starting point for building a greater and more sensible consensus than any single perspective. I firmly believe that utopias are best created together, requiring everyone to approach the process with an open mind.

By blending what I perceive around me onto the canvas, I try to capture the ambivalence of our time.

Annkathrin Immler

5. What does it mean to you when viewers find joy or lightness in your work?  

Perhaps there is nothing more rewarding than witnessing the sparkle in someone’s eyes as they connect with my work. The ability to touch people thoroughly via art is an immense gift. It would be my greatest joy if my paintings could bring a touch of lightness and inspire the courage to dream in a challenging world.

6.    How has living and creating between Isny and Munich shaped your creative vision?  

In Isny, the proximity to nature and community has given me a profound understanding of my surroundings. Truly comprehending people or nature requires more than merely observing what is visible—it calls for an insight into the hidden contexts and interconnections. I strive to infuse this awareness into my work. Interestingly, my paintings have adopted a calmer tone in Munich compared to the rustic idyll of the Allgäu. The city has broadened my perspective on the questions art can raise and the many answers to explore, for which I am deeply grateful.

Annkathrin Immler’s art is more than just something to look at—it’s an invitation to think, feel, and imagine a better world. She doesn’t give answers but instead asks questions that make us wonder: What if we dreamed bigger? What if we saw things differently? Her mix of colors, styles, and emotions reminds us that creativity has no limits. Her work encourages us to find hope and see the beauty in possibility. To learn more about Annkathrin, click the following links to visit her profile.

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