The Second Chapter : Interview with Ellen Essen (English ver.)
Presented as the sixth interview in Chapter Two, “The Artist’s Muse: What Inspires You,” this conversation introduces the evocative practice of Ellen Essen. For Essen, the act of painting is not merely a representation of a subject, but a profound reclamation of self. After a thirty-year hiatus spent in the theoretical shadows of art history and the demands of daily life, her creativity was reawakened by an unexpected cinematic encounter. What began as a visceral resonance with the "angelic yet dark" presence of Korean actor Song Joong-ki has evolved into a sophisticated artistic language—one that bridges the gap between a small medieval town in Germany and the vibrant cultural landscapes of East Asia. Throughout this interview, Essen reflects on a practice that views the portrait as a "map of the soul." She describes her muse not as an object of fandom, but as a vital medium—a vessel through which she explores the universal dualities of human existence: strengt...
