ANUK ROCHA

It all started when I was a kid. I’ve always had the feeling certain objects or places had some kind of “spirit” in them. This feeling used to be very strong, to a point that I was sometimes scared of them, like certain staircases, a faucet or chair. But it was mostly a very pleasant experience, something that made me dream and made me feel like certain places belonged to me, like they were mine only. 

“In my paintings, I try to express the way I perceive places or objects, almost like I am trying to copy onto the canvas what my inner eye sees. Of course this is only possible by creating a distance between my body and my mind, something I have recently discovered is one of the fundamental principles of Yoga. So maybe painting for me is a spiritual practice which brings me inner peace and balance.”

I am completely bewitched by the south of France, which is where I live. I understand now what the big fuss was about when Matisse and Picasso, and literally every European painter we know, moved here and painted their life away. When you live in a place where stray animals roam the streets and flowers, herbs and fruit grow everywhere (even along the highways) and you start your day with a dive into the sea, you can’t help but feel inspired. People here don’t take themselves too seriously and are generally so much happier and positive.

I think sensitive people like me need to live in a stimulating, fertile place where everything screams life at you, as I am so influenced by my environment.

Anuk Rocha (b. 1986) born in west Germany, is a Bosnian painter who lives and works in France. After living in Paris and Berlin, she recently moved out to Marseille where she makes ceramic sculptures & paintings inspired by the local building methods & nature.