The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

Jada Brookes admires Ivan Gette’s artwork which has transitioned from graffiti and abstract into more detailed character paintings showcased during his exhibition at Red Eight Gallery. biteartistprofile B erlin-based abstract painter and gallery owner of Notagallery, Ivan Gette, uses art and colour to mirror the modern media. His work reflects experiences with meaningful people, connections and the mediation of emotions. Through his personal history and identity, his boldly interpretative, colour-coded work represents society's interactions, encounters and expres- sion in moments and stories. Ivan describes his style as 'abstract nihilism', an impulsive way of creating art in total freedom. The self-taught artist first connected with art through graffiti and school. In 2014, he shifted his focus to work- ing more with acrylic colours and canvases. Most artists choose art because of influences or experiences, but Ivan says, “You don’t choose artist life; artist life chooses you.” He elaborated, saying he feels, ‘becoming an artist’ is a wrong statement. “I think it’s more an urge that everyone carries inside. It’s a creative urge to tell a story, capture a moment, express a feeling or something more personal.” Ivan’s life carries many stories. He recalls when he was a 7-year-old Serbian immigrant in a small town in Germa- ny, confronted with lots of issues not knowing the lan- guage or being accepted. “I remember a lot of fights since kids were brutal. Back then, I learned to deal with prob- lems and found peace listening to music and drawing.” A few years later, he was introduced to the hip-hop culture by an older cousin. “The community and the concept of ‘each one teach one’ helped me to find an outlet within all elements.” He became fascinated with the artistic aspect of graffiti, where he could convey his emotions and ideas. “Being playful in your style, making and learning frommistakes, and not taking yourself or life too seriously; it’s all about the journey and the people you meet and can learn from and share ideas with.” He revealed a short romance with a girl who had gifted him an easel and then broke up with him to go to the States, made him look at his unfinished painting and let go of the emotions. “Since that day, I be- came obsessed with telling my stories through colours - uncontrolled, pure and abstract.” “Art isonlyasgoodasthe feelings it’screated inyou” - IvanGette.