Born in the majestic mountains of South Tyrol, Rebekka Frei wields a powerful tool of expression in her hands: natural linen. Her linen canvases are meticulously chosen and explored, unveiling unique textures and qualities that resonate with her roots and personal experiences. It is within this context that Rebekka transforms the material into visual narratives that transcend time and her creative endeavors.

Rebekka is a great collector of memories; her sources of inspiration come from old sepia and grayscale portraits. These vintage images, often of well-known personalities, serve as the foundation for her work. Stories of strong women and feminist narratives are also part of her repertoire of inspiration. She abstracts these images and realities masterfully, giving them a new pose and style, creating a dichotomy between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Rebekka’s style is a masterful synthesis of abstraction and figuration, with realistic, anatomical elements and some elements of the Pop art movement. She not only creates stunning compositions but also offers insightful perspectives on contemporary society. Her works reflect virtues and vices, as well as the complex social implications and impulses of modernity. “Wisdom of the East” is a composition that captivates the observer with its abstract brushstrokes. The piece is dominated by shades of blue, complemented by warm colors like red and orange. The eyes portrayed within the brushstrokes and gestures exude depth and grandeur.

The painting offers multiple layers that reveal themselves over time, conveying a certain mystery. The element of the gaze within Rebekka’s works can encompass various meanings; it can represent the unconscious, desire, strength, protection, consciousness, and introspection. As Maurice Merleau-Ponty stated, “The eye sees through the body, and the body through the eye.” In Rebekka’s philosophy of perception, she delves deeply into the phenomenology of perception and how our understanding of the world is influenced by the relationship between the eye and the body. It is an invitation to reflect on how we perceive and comprehend the world through our senses and bodily experience.

Rebekka is an artist who is unafraid to experiment and evolve. In recent years, she has added a new dimension to her art with the technique of “spray art.” Her vibrant brushstrokes interact with portraits and landscapes, creating a fresh perspective on modernity. The artist uses spray cans to perpetuate the story of her compositions, bridging the past and present with a burst of colors and energy.

Art is more than a vocation for Rebekka; it is a safe, stimulating, and transformative refuge. She fondly recalls moments from her childhood when she would sit with colored pencils, reproducing portraits of her grandmother and famous painters. Today, painting continues to be a refuge, but in a new and enriching way. Rebekka finds nourishment and fulfillment in art, not in pursuit of perfection but to express the journey of life and her own experiences. Each work is a note in her creative journey.

A deep exploration delving into the history of successful women from the past, a rediscovery bridging the world of yesterday and that of tomorrow in search of the present. Her works are not static, but rather “stories on canvas,” a linen canvas that narrates a new concept of modernity.

For the artist, painting represents a “safe, stimulating, and new refuge,” and she draws complete nourishment from art. Her way of seeing and engaging with the world reflects perfectly in her artworks, as if they spoke on her behalf.