EXOGALLERY

Longing is a quiet but persevering state. It is not necessarily directed towards a specific goal, but rather describes an inner desire – for lightness, for being carried, for surrender, for a place where one can entrust oneself to the flow of life. In her artistic work, Lydiane Lutz has been approaching this state for many years with remarkable consistency and sensitivity. People in water are at the centre of her painting. They float, are held, lose their weight. Water is not only a motif, but a basic condition: it stands for relationship, for transition, for releasing control. As a woman and an artist, Lutz explores what it means to be carried – in life, in interpersonal relationships, in one’s own body. Her figures do not seem to be struggling, but rather trusting. Formally, the works move between impressionism, expressionism and abstraction. The canvases often remain deliberately open, not filled to the last centimetre. These empty spaces are not voids, but invitations: to one’s own imagination, to meditation, to losing oneself in the image. Longing arises precisely where something is not fixed. Lutz also follows this principle from a technical standpoint. Pigments in intense, powerful colours dissolve in water, flow into one another, elude complete control and create a watercolour-like transparency. The image emerges from the interplay of intention and coincidence – a process that reflects the act of being carried along. In her latest series, now on exhibition for the first time, the artist takes a bold step forward. The traditional canvas is replaced by transparent acrylic glass. The works consist of several layers that are spatially separated from one another. The spaces in between – air, distance, transparency – become the main actors. Perspective is no longer fixed, but depends on the viewer’s location. Proximity and distance, freedom and connection shift with every movement. These works pose questions: What do we really long for? What drives us? What fulfils us? What ultimately makes us human? In an age of artificial intelligence, automation and a flood of fast-moving images, this slow, physical, breathing painting gains particular relevance. It demands presence instead of action, emotion instead of efficiency. Lydiane Lutz’s works remind us that longing is not a weakness, but a strength. A movement towards the unknown, the undefined – and thus towards ourselves.

EXOgallery is proud to annonce its participation in Art Karlsruhe 2026, Germany’s second-largest art fair. Between February 4th and 8th, we will present works by several gallery artists with a special focus on the extensive one:artist presentation by Marina Wittemann. Within the group show we will put on view Timo Grimm, Maria Kozak, and Valo Valentino. Additionally, in the paper:square section we will be presenting the latest series of Beate Christine Winkler. In the start:block section for young collectors Lydiane Lutz presents her recent canvas.