Monochromes – dirkes.studio

I am drawn to structure—its rhythm and repetition. I find inspiration in the patterns of metropolitan architecture and the synchronized choreography of city sidewalks, where people move to the cadence of an unspoken routine. Our identities are shaped by these structures, by the unseen expectations to which we often unconsciously conform. What fascinates me most is the moment when these expectations loosen, and freedom and individuality emerge.

My work is built on endless, repetitive gestures: vertical lines carved into paint, echoing the rhythms I observe in urban landscapes. I photograph cities around the world, focusing on scenes that reveal societal expectations—repeated high-rise facades and crowded crosswalks. I then translate these photographs onto canvas in a semi-abstract style. From a distance, the image appears familiar, conforming to the expectations of city life. Up close, it dissolves into abstraction, inviting a sense of freedom. Ultimately, it is up to the viewer to find their own balance between expectation and liberation.