The Artist

“I am interested in the things which are left out of a tale, the images and words that are in my imagination – and therefore mine alone”

Minu is passionate about non-linear storytelling. Leaving narrative conventions by the wayside, her creations communicate the non-textual substance of stories, forming archetypal characters and scenes. Her illustrations and creatures are snapshots of strange and magical stories, triggering shared memories and handing the story back to the viewer, for him or her to complete the tale.

Originating in Germany, minu arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, five years ago and stayed. With a background in commercial design and architecture, minu now works as an independent illustrator, toymaker and artist. Her artwork ranges from traditional printmaking to mixed media and textile art. She is selling her artwork, limited edition prints and plush objects in selected shops and online.

Artwork

Passionate about working with various materials and shaping them into her characters and scenes, minu’s work is characterized by frequent changes in techniques. Like her creatures, her artwork shift shapes, revealing a sequence of hidden layers.

Though not addressed to children, her artwork is naive and figurative. Her characters are based on traditional archetypes like the unwilling (grumpy) and lonely hero, the companion on a journey, dangers and shadows of the past, present and future. Her creations often shift their shapes, wearing various skins or living in symbioses with others beings. They are in transition between stagnation and change.

Even though her characters are naive, melancholic, they emit something strangely positive and uplifting. Her compositions are based on simplicity, leaving wide open spaces.

Exhibitions

• “Fragments…”, new works on paper, wood and canvas at the New Zealand Art Show, August 2011
• “Heads Up”, Toi Poneke Artists Annual Group Show, Wellington, May 2011
• “In Your Dreams…”, new works on paper, Deluxe Cafe, Wellington, October 2010
• “Head On”, Toi Poneke Artists Annual Group Show, Wellington, August 2011
• “Fragile Shadows”, new works on paper, wood and canvas at the New Zealand Art Show, August 2010
• “Woven Tales of Ink Silver and Silk”, Group Exhibition, Wellington, New Zealand, November 2009

Participation

• Mail Me Art 2010: Medium Without a Message, Book and Exhibition, London UK August 2010
• Crammed Organisms 2008: The world largest Plush show, Book and Exhibition, Saint Louis, USA, 2008

The Minu Workshop in Wellington, New Zealand

Studio 18, Toi Poneke Arts Centre,
61-69 Abel Smith St,
Wellington 6011
…› google maps

There are regular dates for open studios sales, please sign up for the e-newsletter in the footer of the page to keep up-to-date. I am happy for you to just drop in on short notice as well. Just contact me to make sure I am in ^_^ …

email heike@minu.co.nz
mobile 021 027 25 170

Where to buy

Minu was formally called 3poppies. In January 2008 the name changed to minu. Products by minu can be purchased in shops and galleries or the online stores. Please see the Where to buy page for more information.

Minu in the Press

• Stuffed Magazine, December 2010
• Extra Curricular, Issue 4, November 2011
• Mail Me Art, Book 2010 
• World Sweet World, Issue 5, March 2009

For more information please see the Press Section.

Colophon

All artwork is by minu or by the respective artists credited in context.
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Code is poetry.