As I strolled past the red, arched elevated station of the Bellevue S-Bahn, a room brimming with joy and art caught my attention. By the window, several carnival masks lay lazily like sleeping guardians. Next to them, mannequins dressed in costumes and adorned with a special hat stood still, as if to lure passersby into a world of fantasy. The walls were hung with paintings of different styles – from the soft, delicate voids of Chinese ink art to the vibrant colours of Western acrylics – each work intertwining and colliding to create a distinct visual language. Even the bags hanging on the chairs are printed with Chinese characters. This seemingly disparate mix of styles harmonised perfectly, making the entire space irresistibly captivating and sparking my boundless curiosity.
Located at Flensburger Strasse 5, a building recognized as a cultural asset in Berlin, I approached the place with a sense of wonder. But when I arrived, an even more enchanting scene greeted me. The triangular corner on the far left was the studio of the amateur painter Ingeborg. Her studio, much like the artist herself, was fun, friendly, generous and inclusive in every way.
“I grew up between the 1960s and 1980s, a golden age of wealth, freedom, colour, and life,” Ingeborg said. With her avant-garde approach to life, she decided early on not to marry or have children. Forty years ago, she moved to Berlin in search of a new life. “At that time, Berlin was full of energy, full of young people. Many had fled dictatorial regimes and settled here. Everywhere you turned there was something new, interesting, and full of opportunity.” After taking a few classes at the Berlin University of the Arts (UDK), she began her artistic journey – first with acrylics and later with oriental painting.
“Oriental painting fascinates me because, although it seems simple, it has a profound meaning. All you need is a piece of paper, a brush, a bowl of water and a bottle of ink. But once the brush touches the paper, that’s it, nothing can be changed or covered up, and even the empty spaces in art are not just empty spaces. This philosophy resonates deeply with my own view of life,” Ingeborg explained. Despite being a pharmacist, her passion for art never waned, and it was this passion that led to the creation of her studio.
Ingeborg’s story not only illustrates her devotion to art, but also subtly reflects the changing times and her unique perspective on life. In this space filled with imagination and creativity, she weaves freedom, tolerance and innovation into her work, constantly fueling both her art and her life with inspiration.
Ingeborg’s studio is more than a place of artistic creation; it is a sanctuary of inspiration and a place to practise her philosophy. Whether through a quick peek through the window or a personal visit inside, each visitor can sense the unique atmosphere of the studio and the abundant creativity behind each stroke and piece. In this space, Eastern and Western art seamlessly merge to create an ambiance that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Ingeborg warmly welcomes visitors to come in and experience her artistic world. Perhaps you’ll have a chance encounter with her or, like me, leave a note expressing your desire to visit this magical place.
