Ute Rathmann

Living and working in Berlin, Ute Rathmann studied at the Kunsthochschule Berlin-Weißensee, where she now teaches. Drawing sits at the heart of her practice, built up in graphite, charcoal, pastels, watercolour, gouache and touches of gold pigment, alongside collage, chine collé and drypoint etching. Working from life models dressed around a chosen theme, she explores the human body and its relationship with clothing, costume and fabric, finding particular energy in the bizarre shapes and colours of vintage garments. Many of her series pay homage to artists she admires, from Botticelli and Leonardo’s study sheets to Schiele, Klimt and Toulouse-Lautrec. Each drawing captures a single moment within an ongoing inquiry into the human form. Since 2002 she has exhibited in Germany and abroad, and her drawings are held in private collections internationally.