Art & Culture |August 3, 2023

Surrealism meets comics - the world of Roman Klonek

His woodblock prints are populated by strange creatures and feature alien symbols - Düsseldorf artist Roman Klonek has an unmistakable aesthetic. He creates his surrealistic, comic-inspired works in bold colors using an elaborate, traditional woodcut technique. Klonek exhibits in Hamburg and Copenhagen, his clients are based in San Francisco and New York. He has his studio in Flingern-Süd. There he tells us why he appreciates life in Düsseldorf so much.

Düsseldorf artist Roman Klonek with one of his woodcut prints. The motif consists of bold colors and comic-inspired figures. — Roman Klonek with one of his works.

Roman, you studied graphic design at Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences, now HSD. Was printmaking one of the main subjects?
No, not necessarily. Back then, the course focused more on typography and film. Some of my fellow students went into advertising after graduating. Nevertheless, there was still some input in terms of craftsmanship: the university had a number of workshops, for example for screen printing and etching. A course in woodcut was also offered during my studies. That was my first contact with this technique and I was so enthusiastic about it that I stuck with it.

You grew up in Hanover, moved to Düsseldorf to study and stayed after graduating. Why?
I always felt very much at home in Düsseldorf. During my studies, I built up a circle of friends and found the city more interesting than my home in Hanover. Returning there was therefore out of the question for me.

And how is life as a Düsseldorf artist?
Very good. There were already strong networks during my studies. For example, a group of comic artists around Tobi Dahmen, who initiated the Herrensahne project back then. A comic series that was published as a joint effort for almost two decades. Together with another group of artists, I founded the Revolver gallery in 2000 after graduating, which was a meeting place for the art, street art and illustrator scene for many years. Many international artists such as Jim Avignon and Os Gêmeos have exhibited here. This has resulted in a fruitful collaboration that continues to this day. Just a few months ago, a new group of printmakers was formed - initiated by art academy graduate Inessa Emmer. Ink & Pressure is the name. The first joint exhibition starts on August 6 and runs until September 24, 2023. Nine printmaking positions will be shown at Kunsthaus Bocholt, including my work. So networking is wonderful in Düsseldorf.

Work by Roman Klonek, showing a comic-like illustration in bright blue on a red background.

Are you represented by a gallery in Düsseldorf?
Yes, my Düsseldorf gallery is called Pretty Portal. My work can always be seen there in solo and group exhibitions. Klaus Rosskothen, the gallery owner, regularly organizes street art events. Last year, for example, I had the opportunity to design an underpass at Bilk S-Bahn station together with international street artists.

In addition to street art campaigns, your art can also be seen in museums. Where do you see yourself?
I actually move between worlds, I have an affinity for street art, comics, printmaking, but also for all other visual arts. There is a lot of overlap.

In times of increasing digitalization, you still work a lot with woodcuts. Why this elaborate technique?
During my studies, I realized that woodcut is my medium. I would almost say that my drawings are enhanced by the woodcut. I don't work with grayscale or shadow effects, but rather with clear strokes and bold areas of color - so this technique suits my aesthetic very well.

Work in progress: Roman Klonek applies paint with a roller.

Your works are populated by strange creatures, often half human, half animal. You also use Cyrillic and Japanese characters, which emphasizes the strangeness of your motifs. Where do you find inspiration?
I keep a mixture of diary and sketchbook every day. My doodles resemble a wild tangle of lines and elements that overlap, but I can always extract ideas from them. It's like digging, where figures emerge that I then put together in ensembles. It sometimes feels like composing, like creating a harmonious chord by putting together matching pictorial elements.

You have lived and worked in Düsseldorf for 24 years. What do you particularly like about your adopted home?Düsseldorf is a beautiful city with mostly clean air. Everything is easily accessible by bike. There are lots of places on the Rhine where you can meet people and Düsseldorf has a pleasant, cozy atmosphere.

Roman Klonek and Ilona Marx look at a print that Roman Klonek made during the studio visit. — In the studio: Düsseldorf artist Roman Klonek and Ilona Marx.

Do you have a favorite place?
I like going to the Zoopark a lot, but I also like the Volkgarten. And of course my district: Flingern. When I walk through the streets there in the evening, I always bump into people I know.

What has been your most exciting job so far?
An assignment that came through my US agent: I was asked to develop characters for a soy-based bar (editor's note: Soyjoy). Later, commercials were also made and the characters were animated - that was exciting to see. This resulted in another job that was great fun. I was invited by L.A. Fashion Week to paint live on location during the event.

A stack of woodcut prints in portrait format.

Is there a museum or gallery that you recommend when friends or colleagues are in town?
Lots! I think the Film Museum is great, the Philara Collection, which has a lovely café, and the Julia Stoschek Foundation for time-based media art.

Where do you go when you want to switch off?
To the Grafenberg Forest. I can be there in a few minutes by bike and completely out of the city. If I want absolute peace and quiet, it's the perfect place.

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