Jan-Frederic Chamier

Jan-Frederic Chamier, also known as Herrzen, is an artist and savant of many talents.
Born in 1989, Chamier grew up in the city of Essen, Germany. Influenced by the surrounding urban environment and the overall situation at his family, he found inspiration in the abundance of architecture, industrialization, creative scenes, and changes can be seen in nature. He took up painting as an outlet for his creativity, focusing primarily in watercolor after he moved on to the contemporary street art scene, using spray paint in graffiti art, being part of illegal group-actions during nighttime and living totally passioned for the art.

This industrial environment continues to influence Chamier’s artistic practice through strong lines and shapes, sharp contrasts between colors and values, and allowing for a natural flow of creation.

Rather than pursuing an artistic career, first Chamier studied Electrical Engineering in Mülheim an der Ruhr and worked as a professional Software Engineer in Essen, Wuppertal, and Cologne. In 2020, Chamier took a step away from engineering and decided to practice art full-time.

As a self-taught artist, he is able to understand the mediums he uses through consistent practice in his home. He is best known for his abstract acrylic paintings, reminiscent of Clyfford Still and Cy Twombly.

Chamier finds inspiration not only in the surrounding environment but also through contemporary abstract expressionism. The process of creating paintings using this style allows Chamier to find a rhythm through shapes, brushstrokes, and color. There often and most of the time is not a specific plan for what the painting will look like.
Many of the techniques Chamier used as a child and teenager, painting with watercolor, spatula splatter, and spray paint graffiti art, are still used in his abstract paintings.

Painting is a chance for Chamier to discover both more about himself as well as his creative practice. Chamier exhibits his paintings in galleries, online, and in private residences. He finds peace within himself through act of painting. You can view more of Chamier’s work at Instagram (@herrzen2020).