... with Joana Schneider on Arte Povera and Textile Sculpture

In this episode, Johann König speaks with artist Joana Schneider about her distinctive sculptural practice, defined by her approach to repurposing textiles and other found materials. Starting from early experiments with unconventional materials like lip gloss and makeup, Schneider reflects on her path toward developing an artistic language rooted in intuition, materiality, and transformation. From touring in a band with her sister to studying fashion and textiles in The Hague, her journey has always been driven by a desire to create. At the core of her work is an Arte Povera-like approach: Schneider collects materials such as ropes, fishing nets, and coastal remnants—objects shaped by time, environment, and use. These materials are then carefully reworked, dyed, and layered into complex, organic forms that seem to grow, bloom, and evolve. She speaks about her need for materials to carry a certain “soul,” her fascination with the artificial landscapes of the Netherlands, and her process of translating found matter into immersive sculptural environments. The conversation also touches on a live intervention during her exhibition opening at KÖNIG TELEGRAPHENAMT, where she cuts open one of her works—revealing it as something alive, unfolding in real time. Get tickets here More about the ARTIST More about the EXHIBITION Follow Johann König on his social media channels: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn X If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us by email at: [email protected] © Portrait by Sophie Van Veen