Marius D. Kettler (* 1961) painter, sound,- video artist and composer, lives and works in Berlin and Ahnsen, Germany.

Kettler has developed in his painterly work from realism, the theme of surrealism and the pictorial implementation of his art theory Actuism to the color spaces and their boundaries of contrasts and similarities. His works with day-glo colors put contrasts and color similarities into a relationship that leads to an apparent color congruence. In the process, the non-contrasts give rise to color sensations. What does the color of light do to the paints? These fluorescent color spaces create an irritating juxtaposition of tension and arbitrariness. Color and its apparent boundaries become the subject of painting. To create color spaces of infinite depth is one of the tasks in these works.

For the sound installations and video works he uses electroacoustic audio material, processes digital media and field recordings. His sound installations vary from electromagnetic, interactive and mechanical hybrid installations to multi-channel sound compositions. Kettler works thematically, where he experiments with artificial or natural spatial environments. The visual and acoustic spaces are designed with maximum simplicity. The physical aspect of sound, acoustic site-specific sound transmissions and transparency in the sound image are explored.

Field recordings include urban and industrial sounds as well as sounds from nature.

The boundaries of sounds are explored in the areas where their sensory properties affect memory and their recollection.Kettler's sound compositions make use of the sounds of instruments and electronics, noise and mechanical sounds, which are digitally processed and combined into multi-channel or mono sound installations.

The color rooms - Marius D. Kettler began with these luminescent abstract works on canvas 2009.
The first series were created with three different day glow red tones, cyclam red, ziegel red and flame red, in conjunction with the color gold orange. The layers of paint and the transparency of the paint, develop the color rooms. Each color has it`s own temperature depending on the reaction of light, working with the contrasts and similarities of color that correlate and lead to color congruity. The color white as a foundation that arises from underneath, to the upper surface creating another level of light, where the white paint on the red surface deepens the dimensions of the color room.
The type of light is the theme, cold daylight, sunlight, black light, or indoor lighting, makes an immense difference as to how the paintings glow. This paint is self produced with special pigments bonded into a certain consistency that punctuates the glow effect. The format of the canvas determines the motive structure of the painting. In many works subtle drawings are incorporated before the painting is finished. The fine pencil drawing on the surface of the painting brings an additional dimension into the work when focusing on the drawing, this can change the impression of the colors in the painting. "Light reveals the true soul of color"
Marius D. Kettler 2019

Marius D. Kettler

Creation of the pictures with unmixed colors

It's a confrontation with a plan - it's like a game - like chess. There is a plan. One color makes a move - a piece places itself on the square. Another color responds; takes over the game. Another color responds by making a new move on the square. Two colors become a third. A new situation arises, which again has the character of a challenge. The player reacts by placing another color, possibly overpainting. Composition as a playful process; color chess!

Only the previous move creates the space for the behavior of the next color. The game changes direction - a new course announces itself. All colors and shapes open up their own universe, depending on their power and relevance. Something disputed with the others, something taken away, something added - enriching?

It will make the progression visible in the entire picture - it is on its way. A seemingly balanced situation that creates tension and expectation without one color or shape leaving the field; even the most restrained color or figure has influenced the process - the others had to respond.

If it has turned out well, a stalemate has been created, with a recognizable progression that tells the story with tension.

Here's to a new game!