Serious And Not-So-Serious: Reiner Heidorn in 14 Questions
DISSOLVING INTO THE POND
At IdeelArt, we believe an artist’s story is told both inside and outside the studio. In this series, we pose 14 questions that bridge the gap between creative vision and everyday life, mixing professional insight with the personal quirks that make each artist unique.
Today, we meet Reiner Heidorn. From his studio in an empty factory hall in Bavaria, Reiner develops his "Dissolutio" technique, a method of painting that uses thousands of tiny speckles to explore the "universe in a pond." Discover the influence of classic vinyl records on his process, why he intentionally embraces "mistakes" in oil painting, and his deep-seated desire to create art that allows both the artist and the viewer to dissolve into the natural world.
The Not-So-Serious Questions
8 questions to reveal unexpected quirks and everyday life of Reiner Heidorn:
If your art was a song or a piece of music, what would be playing in the background?
It would no-doubt be an impromptu by Schubert. For instance: Schubert: Impromptu No. 3 in G-Flat Major, Op. 90, D. 899.
I have been hearing this sort of music since my youth and there is not a single painting in my career that hasn't been created without classical music in the background.
What's something you're obsessed with or have a strong interest in that has nothing to do with art?
Riding my bicycle hands-free to the studio. Cooking italian food and go out with our little dog girl Minna.
Reiner Heidorn - Nightplants - 2025
Coffee, tea, or something stronger while you work? Or just light and silence?
Only classical music from a record player in my studio. Lots of fresh collected nature materials which I use as printing templates along with the colours.
If you could meet with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Julie Mehretu. I´m deeply impressed by her art.
Reiner Heidorn - A Clear Message - 2025
If you weren't an artist, what would you be doing?
Running a Bistro!
Can you share a short story or moment from your life that had a strong impact on your life as an artist?
The opening of my first solo show at the Bill Lowe Gallery in Atlanta in 2017. They picked me up from the Mandarin Oriental, and as I walked through the installation of my paintings, I discovered that even some of the large pieces had been framed behind glass, which was astonishing to me. Since then, I had a long-lasting, very friendly relationship with the gallery until the sudden death of Bill Lowe. The presentation in the USA also immensely boosted my business strategy in Europe and helped me develop my standing in the art market.
Reiner Heidorn - Autumn Fire 1 - 2025
What does a good day look like for you, outside of the studio?
Walking with my lovely dog, riding bicycle to a grocery store and cook something nice in the evening for my family.
Is there something about you that would probably surprise people who know your work only through your art?
I have been trained in Hindustani classical music on the Sitar for many years.
Reiner Heidorn - Grasswater - 2022
The (More) Serious Interview
6 questions to look deeper into the ideas, experiences, and hopes that shape Heidorn's creative journey.
What themes or questions keep coming back in your work?
- Has my latest painting succeeded as a relevant piece?
- How can I avoid transparent painting techniques and distance the outcome from the mainstream?
- There is always a certain goal in the balanced harmony of a painting which can be improved.
- Why do artists have to invent statements every time they cooperate with art-world professionals?
- How to have maximum control over the oil colors during the pouring process.
- I always produce series in a similar style to avoid "artwork-hopping," which makes no sense in an installation.
Reiner Heidorn - New Balance - 2025
Can you describe a pivotal moment in your journey as an artist?
The decision, in year 2000, to rent a small hall and immediately start working on large canvases with large amounts of oil paint.
What materials or processes are most important in your practice, and why?
I must admit, I’ve been following the same technique-based process for every single painting over the last 12 years, exploring endless variations of green with speckles and scratches.
I usually start by pouring and creating thousands of dots to achieve a 'universe' that provides a sort of psychological recovery for me.
My most important materials are canvas, oil paints, turpentine, and linseed oil.
All my art is created on the floor, and the moment when the speckles spread exactly the way I intended is essential.
How do you want people to feel when they experience your work?
Through my paintings, I want to convey a feeling of calm and psychological recovery, while at the same time showing the complete insignificance of the individual.
Reiner Heidorn - WildLight 3 - 2023
Can you walk us through a typical working day in your studio?
I cycle to the studio, spread a row of canvases on the floor, and put on a classical record. Then, I change into my painting clothes and start creating the parts on every canvas in the same way, beginning with the darkest colors. When everything is finished, I check the outcome: if there is one piece in the series that doesn't match the desired quality, I remove the fresh paint with a broom and start over again. After that, I clean the brushes and go back home.
What dreams or hopes do you have for your artistic journey?
Throughout my career, I have visited some interesting countries and I hope to see more of the world; Australia would be great.
By Francis Berthomier
All images ©Reiner Heidorn
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