**[Beate Arens's ](https://www.cohart.com/beatearens/profile)** life, divided between vibrant urban environments—New York, Paris, Berlin—and the serene nature of Mallorca, profoundly influences how she engages with the world around her. As we navigate an ever-evolving landscape shaped by new technologies, she approaches this shift with a blend of curiosity and apprehension, aware of the potential loss of control it brings.

This tension between contrasting worlds has inspired a personal artistic expression that straddles the line between figurative and abstract, constructed and expressive. Her work embodies a spontaneous, felt approach, embracing gestures of the moment that are both uncalculated and intertwined with rational, organised forms. Each piece reflects fragments of logic from another time, capturing the dynamic interplay between order and chaos.



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#### Can you describe your artistic process, and what materials and techniques do you typically use?

I love to work with mixed media because of its endless possibilities. There are no rules, no limits. I work in layers, using acrylic, collage, spray paint, stencils, printing, and lots of water. 
This process is inherently unpredictable, creating a dynamic conversation with the canvas. As I introduce color and gestures, I respond to what unfolds before me. It’s an instinctual journey rather than a premeditated construction.

#### What is your approach to experimenting with new techniques or styles?
Even though I have found a technique and rhythm that work best for me, I do love to experiment with new materials. Sometimes I watch other artists on Instagram. Their generosity 
in sharing their work through Reels is hugely inspiring to me. The process of trying new methods challenges my work and pushes me beyond my comfort zone.



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#### What emotions do you experience when creating your art, and how do they influence the final piece?

I frequently work in series of two or more paintings, allowing me to weave narratives filled with conflicting emotions and memories. Viewing these pieces side by side reveals a unique tension that creates a very different dynamic. When I manage to let my ego take the backseat, it is almost a physical experience. A sensation in my body that connects to something. Something passing through. This is when I know I have touched a nerve of personal truth.


#### Has your cultural background influenced your artistic practice?

I have lived in 4 different countries. I love to immerse myself without identifying completely.
Always a bit of a stranger, I observe, I feel, I remember. The subtle distance between myself and my surroundings creates an intense connection with the world around me. As I navigate new cultures, aesthetics, and meet remarkable people, my paintings consistently explore these emotions and the struggle to remain grounded amid them.

#### Are there any symbols, colors, or motifs that recur in your work, and what significance do they hold for you?

I love the graphic expression of letters, numbers, and stencils in my art. These elements create a benchmark of order, establishing a contrast to the wild and unrestrained aspects of my work. This duality reflects my passionate love for nature, where structured forms coexist with untamed beauty… My attempt at balancing order and chaos within my artistic expression.



#### Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?

To be honest, I don’t follow any specific rituals. Instead, I enter a creative mindset driven by a particular idea, thought, or emotion that I want to express. This state can linger for days; the image I’ve started often follows me around. I mentally play with it, weaving in images from my surroundings, blending the past and present into my work. I strive to stay connected to the concept while allowing for as much play and experimentation as possible.


#### Can you describe a turning point in your artistic career that significantly impacted your work?

A significant turning point in my artistic career came after two decades as a design director in fashion, where painting was only a personal outlet I pursued in stolen moments between deadlines. Upon leaving the fashion industry, I continued exploring various creative projects, enjoying the challenge of stretching my artistic mind in different directions. However, everything changed when I was given a large, beautiful studio for painting. It felt as though a massive door opened in my mind, with the physical space giving me the permission to fully embrace this path. My work underwent a radical transformation from figurative to abstract, like turning on a faucet and letting something in me run free.


#### How do you balance personal expression with audience expectations in your work?
I don’t consider the outcome or audience expectations when I create. I believe it’s essential to shield myself from any purpose beyond personal expression to stay true and authentic.

#### If you could give one piece of advice to a new artist, what would it be?
**Don’t just dabble - drown yourself in your art!** Dive deep to connect with yourself and be honest and authentic in your expression. Forget about the audience; instead, focus on speaking to the world around you. You are not in service!



#### How has Cohart made a difference in running your art business, and why have you chosen to go Pro?

Cohart has significantly transformed how I run my art business. Selling my first pieces through their platform revealed just how pain-free the process can be. Collaborating with their dedicated, highly professional team has been an incredible experience, allowing me to concentrate on my work without worrying about the logistics. I enjoy being part of this supportive community, and I’m excited to see what comes next.

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Balancing chaos and order, Beate Arens creates instinctive, layered works shaped by emotion, memory, and cross-cultural experience

Spotlight: Beate Arens Captures the Interplay Between Order and Chaos

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