Stephan Zarmann Translates Urban Decay into Abstract Paintings

Stephan Zarmann, a self-taught artist, crafts abstract artworks influenced by the textures of aged urban environments. His experiences in Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have shaped his focus on damaged surfaces, including cracked plaster, torn posters, and stained concrete. Straddling the line between abstraction and realism, Zarmann captures the essence of neglected spaces like walls, staircases, factories, and construction sites in his intricate compositions. Utilizing an instinctive method that involves painting, sanding, scraping, and layering, he often relies on a Black+Decker handheld detail sander for precise abrasion. His color schemes reflect urban hues, such as concrete whites, ash greys, rust shades, faded blues, and municipal greens. He aims to depict the city's memory through time-worn surfaces, believing that walls hold memories and that damage serves as a testament.