Bartha_contemporary is delighted to present the recent work of Cologne-based artist Stephen Baumkötter to coincide with the publication of a new catalogue entitled ‘28 Pastels’ by Salon Verlag, Cologne. 

In this presentation, we showcase 26 remarkable pastel works on wood panels crafted meticulously during the serene months of April and May 2021 in France and during the fall of 2022 in Cologne.
These paintings represent a blend of creative precision and emotive depth. Baumkötter's process involves layers of pastel chalk, applied with meticulous care, then selectively removed and artfully reworked through overdrawing. Drawn and painted on wood as his chosen support, each piece narrates its story, born from the intricate interplay of materials and the artist's impassioned exploration.

These pieces possess an ethereal quality, transcending visual artistry to evoke a poetic resonance. Their allure lies in their visual appeal and the profound intensity that permeates Baumkötter's expressions on this unique wooden support. His unique approach infuses these works with a captivating allure, inviting viewers into a world where form and emotion converge harmoniously, allowing for a deeply personal interpretation of Baumkötter’s practice.