Maria Bentz-Arens: Abstract Art that Inspires and Provokes

Maria Bentz-Arens has been painting since she was a child and had her first major art exhibition at the age of 21. The artist comes from Ingolstadt, but now lives in Munich. It is particularly important to her to depict abstract art in such a way that it speaks to the inner life of the viewer. For her, the communication between soul and human being is not only touching, but also what she believes makes art sustainable. According to Maria Bentz-Arens, art should always have an effect. It is not absolutely necessary to appeal to a large number of people with the works of art she creates. For the Bavarian artist, it is perfectly sufficient to reach a few interested people with her works, as long as the impact is lasting.

Maria Bentz-Arens integrates natural elements into her art

Maria Bentz-Arens loves nature, which for her is pure art, as well as natural elements such as driftwood or stones. Because she is not only a painter but also a visual artist, she integrates these components into her works of art. For example, Maria Bentz-Arens discovered driftwood in the Isar floodplains and prominently integrated it into a sculpture. Ultimately, however, it was not she herself but the wood that determined the design of the artwork. In the end, she created the figure of an abstract angel, for which she collected, artistically designed and integrated further materials. The colorfulness of this work of art is striking. According to the artist, each of the colors used radiates a different power and has a different message. Elements that run upwards symbolize prayers that also reach upwards.

The angel sculpture does not stand alone in isolation

However, this angel sculpture does not stand alone. Maria Bentz-Arens has also created a corresponding painting. She describes it as "an extension with the figure in 4D". The painterly depiction in the depth of the picture suggests, among other things, people standing in line and dissolving worries. These elements round off the basic theme of the artwork. The connection between the two artistic forms of expression is also evident in the fact that the figure is painted entirely like a picture.

Complete work of art from a symbiotic triad: figure, image and text

Part of the overall work of art is also a text that is intended to clarify the actual theme and hangs next to the picture. It reads: "I am the angel of confidence and hope. I form the connection from the earth to the divine. I know and see your sorrow. I carry your wishes to the universe. Everything is in your hands and in the hands of our higher power. Trust!" According to Maria Bentz-Arens, this symbiotic triad of figure, image and text represents a complete work of art, which the artist will be happy to present to interested parties at ARTMUC 2024.