BIOGRAPHY
Björn Wirtz (born in 1979) is renowned for paintings that capture the essence of the places he explores and showcase his deep connection with nature.
After obtaining his degree in Visual Communication from FH Krefeld in 2005, he initially worked as a freelance illustrator in the publishing industry. In 2007, he took a position in Volkach, Bavaria, where he worked as an artist and art director for numerous projects in the entertainment industry.
From 2013 onwards, he increasingly devoted himself to traditional painting, initially focusing on watercolor before transitioning to oil painting. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including recognition at the prestigious Art Renewal Center Salon in the USA. In 2024, he has been elected a permanent member of the established artist group of the North German Realists.
His works are housed in private collections across Europe, North, and South America.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“I prefer to create my works in direct exchange with the subject. I aim to make my enthusiasm for and intense engagement with the visible world palpable in my paintings. The subject is merely a starting point, a spark that moves me to paint. Through editing and simplifying, I aim to create something that goes beyond the seen and ultimately reflects my emotions.”
SELECTED AWARDS
art.to.go – 2nd place, April 2021
Boldbrush – Honorable Mention, July 2020
14th ARC Salon Competition – Finalist in the Plein Air + Landscape Categories, 2020
Art Muse Contest – Emerging Artist Winner, April 2019
Art Muse Contest – Emerging Artist Finalist, March 2019
Art Muse Contest – Emerging Artist Finalist, June 2018
Art Muse Contest – Emerging Artist Finalist, May 2018
13th ARC Salon Competition – Finalist Plein Air, 2019
California Plein Air Painters International Salon – Award of Merit, 2016
Boldbrush Outstanding Watercolor Award, July 2015
Winner Watercolour Meeting, Würzburg, 2014
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2024
„Von nah und fern“ (2P) – Galerie im Elysée, Hamburg
„Winterausstellung 2024“ (G) – Felix Jud, Hamburg – Learn more
„Das kleine Format“ (G) – VKU, Würzburg
„Augenblicke“ (G) – Kunsthandlung Messerschmidt, Flensburg
„Norddeutsche Realisten zu Gast auf Mallorca“ (G) – Galerie Halbach, Celle – Learn more
„Land der Legenden“ (G) / Die Norddeutschen Realisten in der Bretagne – Künstlermuseum Heikendorf – Learn more
„Von Blüten und Brisen“ (S) – Galerie Elf, Itzehoe – Learn more
„Ansichtssache“ (S) – Volkach – Learn more
2023
„Eiszeit“ – VKU, Würzburg
„Im Dialog“ (S) – Galerie Göldner, Bordesholm – Learn more
„Die Neuen“ – VKU, Würzburg – Learn more
2021
„Insights“ (S) – Kunsthaus Michel, Würzburg – Learn more
2020
“Malerische Mainschleife” (S) – Volkach – Learn more
2016
California Plein Air Painters International Salon, Monterey, USA
2015
Björn Wirtz (S) – WCC, Berlin
Legende: (S): Solo-Ausstellung, (G): Gruppenausstellung, (2P): Zwei-Personen-Ausstellung
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
International artist feature South African Artist Magazine / Issue 49, 2020