Hidden Talents Arts Magazine - Spring 2025

Spring 2025

MIKE NUTH

Pushing Creative Boundaries Through the Years

BETTINA HEINEN-AYECH

A Timeless Tribute to Her Artistic Legacy

JACOB CHANDLER

Year of Bold Creativity Triumph

£5.00

THE ARCHES PROJECT SHINES!

Celebrating the Heart of England Prestige Award 2025

2

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

EDITOR’S NOTES

Spring Issue

A

s the days grow longer and the first hints of warmth touch the air, we find ourselves drawn to new horizons. Spring is not just a season; it’s a mindset — a time to step outside, explore, and rediscover beauty in both familiar places and hidden corners.

In this issue, we begin our journey along the vibrant shores of Brighton, uncovering its best-kept seaside wonders. From the historic pier to tucked-away creative spaces, Brighton’s spirit blends art, culture, and coastline in ways only a seaside town can.

From there, we invite you into the studios and stories of the incredible artists featured in this edition. Each voice offers something unique — from the intricate engravings of Ghahramanpouri, whose piece Eternal Grace earned the prestigious RBSA Award 2025, to the bold and expressive work of Cedryk Etienn, who pushes the limits of form and texture.

This issue also celebrates artistry in its many forms, including Chef Dean's culinary brilliance, which treats every plate as a canvas. Meanwhile, Katja Luhrs adds a bilingual twist, presenting her creative world in both English and German,

reminding us how art easily crosses language barriers.

We’re thrilled to showcase emerging talents like Mohaiman Sultana Miva alongside established names like the late Bettina Heinen-Ayech, capturing the broad spectrum of contemporary creativity. And for those who seek constant innovation, Carysmatic’s bold explorations and Hemant Dhane’s boundary-breaking techniques offer fresh perspectives on what’s possible.

Finally, we close this season’s journey with a spotlight on Jacob Chandler, making 2025 a year of artistic triumph whose sculptural work speaks of movement, presence, and the beauty found in solid form. His ability to freeze fleeting moments into lasting shapes perfectly captures the spirit of spring — fleeting, transformative, and full of energy.

Thank you for joining us for this Spring Issue, a celebration of creativity in motion.

May these stories and artworks inspire you to step outside, create boldly, and embrace this season's unexpected beauty

Evette Edmeade Editor-in-Chief

DISCLAIMER Every care has been taken during the production of this magazine in compiling editorial and advertorial. However, The Arches Project Ltd cannpt accept responsibility for material supplied by third parties and excludes all liability relating to any products and services promoted within this publication or arising from any error, omission, or inaccurace, nor is The Arches Project Ltd responsible for the content of external websites. Finally, the views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher, no part of this magazine must be copied or reproduced without written permission from the publishers.

Copyright ©The Arches Project Ltd. All rights reserved

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

3

TABLE OF

06 09 10 12 15

Contents MIKE NUTH: AN INSIDE LOOK INTO MIKE CREATIVE WORLD BY DAVID IRISH

TREVOR HOWARD A LIFE THROUGH THE LENS

THE AWAKENING OF SPRING

CEDRYK ETIEN ABSTRACTION AND CONTEMPORARY FIGURATION

CARYSMATIC: MODERN EXPRESSION A DEEP DIVE INTO CARYSMATIC’S CONTEMPORARY

18

WHITE PICKET FENCE

21 22 24 4

16

REMEMBERING BETTINA HEINEN- AYECH (1937-2020) A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE BETTINA HEINEN- AYECH AND HER ENDURING ARTISTIC LEGACY.

ETERNAL GRACE WINNER OF THE PRESTIGIOUS RBSA AWARD 2025 GHAHRAMANPOURI: THE ART OF METAL ENGRAVING FEATURING ETERNAL GRACE, WINNER OF THE PRESTIGIOUS RBSA AWARD 2025 MIRACLE PLANET EARTH ACT TOGETHER FOR A BETTER FUTURE BEATE FOERSTER & KATJA LÜHRS

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

TABLE OF

27 28 31 34

Contents LIZZIEJAYNE WHERE ARE YOU GOING ?

37

BEYOND THE PIER DISCOVER BRIGHTON’S BESTKEPT SEASIDE WONDERS – WHERE ART MEETS ADVENTURE

JACOB CHANDLER 2024 A YEAR OF ARTISTIC TRIUMP EXPLORING THE MOVEMENT AND POWER BEHIND JACOB CHANDLER’S SCULPTURAL WORK.

HEMANT DHANE - PUSHING ARTISTIC LIMITS WITH TECHNIQUE, VISION, AND BOLD EXPERIMENTATION.

30

MOHAIMAN SULTANA MIVA ART THAT HEALS

41 42 45 46

JACOB CHANDLER AT SOULTON HALL: IN HOC SIGNO — A FUSION OF GEOMETRY, LIGHT & MEANING

DAVID IRISH ARTIST

WUNDERPLANET ERDE GEMEINSAM FUR EINE BESSERE ZUKUNFT THE ARCHES PROJECT HONOURED WITH THE HEART OF ENGLAND PRESTIGE AWARD 2025 CHEF DEAN - UNVEILS EXQUISITE NEW MENU SHOWCASING SEASONAL FLAVOURS

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

5

Spotlight

FEATURING

ARTIST

An Inside Look Into Mike Creative World from Birmingham to Torquay and beyond these shores, developing a irresistable romance to travel

6

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

M I K E

N U T H

Mike Nuth, a Torquay-based artist, traces his creative roots back to Birmingham, where he

attended Moseley Art School from the age of eleven.

The school, which closed in 1976, was dedicated to nurturing artistic talent while balancing academic studies. Its alumni include notable figures like Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, Ali Campbell of UB40, Roy Wood of Wizard, and Peter Philips, a pioneer of the Pop Art movement. Mike was in good company and decided his direction in life was Art. Later he attended Birmingham art college at Margaret Street, a prestigious institution recognised as a leading painting school at the time.

When viewing Mike’s paintings, it would be easy to jump to conclusions without examining what we are viewing, as their immediacy can detract from the message. Art doesn’t have to be serious, it can be amusing, light-hearted and flippant, free from the weight of art history. You don’t have to ask the questions, why are they childlike, or why do they appear simple? It is about communication and what they communicate. The joy of painting, the pleasure of expression, a feeling of liberation and storytelling.

These are the qualities Mike brings to painting, a commitment to bring a smile and foster connections.

Picasso once said: “It took me four years to paint like Raphael but a lifetime to paint like a child.”

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

7

With Mike’s work there is a serious intent but it doesn’t

Again, with Mike’s

have to appear serious. The act of playing is more

choice of materials,

important than following a prescriptive artistic style,

there is no hierarchy

meant to impress. Painting virtuosity is not the primary

but a democracy of

aim here. For Mike is interested in a world of innocence

value. Oil paint is not

where the apple has yet to be given to Eve, untouched by

the favoured property

the burden of knowledge. The paintings are primordial,

of these works,

raw and rich in symbols as though the humble potato

instead gloss paint,

print has been elevated to gallery art but the potato print

dust, fabric, poster

is not aware of its new status.

paint and children’s

Further inspection reveals a deliberate attempt to make things appear informal and relaxed. Let’s not concern ourselves that a hand has only three fingers or maybe none! What truly matters is a sense of vitality; an optimistic stage of ever-changing characters, talking,

crayons all contribute to enliven the surface and further enhance the child like appearance.

dancing and playing together, inviting the viewer to

Travel has also been

participate in.

a formative influence on Mike’s practice. The reasons for travelling are manifold but for Mike, it came out of a direct experience. Having climbed Clee, an imposing hill about six miles east of Ludlow in Shropshire. While at the summit, where you can see seven counties, he asked some fundamental questions, “What’s over there? Where is that steeple? Who are the people that live there? To satisfy an instinctual wanderlust he began travelling beyond these shores, mainly Spain and France for long periods of time. The romance of travel was irresistible.

Due to his itchy travelling feet, he encountered Bretonsculpted pietas, Catholic images, cathedrals and taverns on his explorations. These adventures and experiences have all been recycled back into his work to create an array of images.

Having visited his studio on more than one occasion, the casual visitor is greeted by large totemic figures as though Stonehenge has been reincarnated in 21stcentury cardboard. His sculptures are another fanciful world he has created which acts as an adjunct to the paintings but in reality, they have just climbed off the canvas and are walking amongst us, as peaceful protectors from this realm.

Mike’s world is about observation, relationships and experiences. Above all, painting has been a cornerstone of his life, a passion he will undoubtedly carry forward to the foreseeable future.

8

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

W

inter had finally released its icy grip, and the world stirred with anticipation.

The first signs were subtle—the soft whisper of a breeze that no longer carried the sharp bite of frost, the golden touch of sunlight lingering a little longer each day. Then, like a gentle crescendo, the earth awakened in a symphony of colors, scents, and melodies.

In the heart of the meadow, where the snow had only just melted, tiny green shoots pushed their way through the damp soil. Crocuses and daffodils, eager heralds of spring, unfurled their petals, drinking in the warmth of the sun. The cherry blossoms, delicate and pink, burst forth on branches that had stood barren for months, their petals dancing like confetti in the wind.

The air was alive with the hum of bees, flitting from flower to flower, and the joyful songs of birds returning from their long journey south. The robins, with their fiery red chests, hopped across fresh grass, searching for worms in the newly thawed earth. A brook, once silenced by ice, now gurgled happily, its waters rushing over smooth stones, carrying the fresh scent of rain and earth.

THE AWAKENING OF

In the forest, the great oaks and maples stretched their branches, shaking off the last remnants of winter’s slumber. Their buds, tightly wrapped like tiny secrets, slowly unfurled into bright green leaves. Beneath them, wildflowers painted the forest floor with shades of violet, yellow, and blue, each petal a testament to nature’s renewal.

With spring came new life. A mother deer and her fawn stepped cautiously into the clearing, their eyes wide with wonder at the greening world. In a hidden nest, baby birds chirped hungrily, their tiny beaks open, waiting for their mother’s return. Even the wind seemed to sigh in contentment, carrying with it the perfume of blooming lilacs and freshly turned soil.

Children laughed in the distance, running barefoot across the soft grass, their kites soaring against the blue sky. The world, once cold and quiet, had erupted into warmth and joy, a celebration of rebirth and endless possibility.

Spring had come at last, and with it, the promise of new beginnings.

SPRING H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

9

CÉDRYK ETIENN

His works, including his most recent pieces, reflect a constant dialogue between organic

Abstraction and Contemporary Figuration Artist

forms and graphic elements. Stylized figures, almost childlike symbols, and an explosion of colours create a world that is both playful and introspective. Using mixed media—charcoal, acrylic, oil pastel, spray paint, and Posca markers—he explores

nn e i t kE

texture and light with complete freedom.

ry d é C

is a painter based in Caen,

whose artistic universe bursts with energy and colour. For over th years, he has explored a unique approach, blending art brut and contemporary figuration through a vibrant palette and dynamic compositions. Inspired by figures such as Robert Combas and Joan Miró, he has developed a visual language where instinct and structure coexist in perfect harmony.

Mouse King 70x100cm

10

The Last Elephant King 116x89 Cm

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

His work celebrates spontaneity and imagination, where art becomes an infinite playground for experimentation. Through numerous exhibitions, from Galerie de la Plage in Ouistreham to Galerie CréArts, Galerie Passage à l'art in Caen, Cédryk Etienn asserts a unique artistic identity, driven by an infectious energy and a resolutely free approach to contemporary painting.

Abiss 60x80cm

Each canvas is an invitation to discovery: intertwined abstract motifs, elements resembling hybrid creatures or characters, and meticulous attention to detail that gives the whole composition a captivating depth. The artist plays with layering and transparency to create movement and relief, further enhanced by the application of a glossy varnish that accentuates contrasts.

Sourire De Souris 60x80

His creations are not merely visual compositions but emotional experiences, where each viewer is invited to project their interpretation. They stand as fragments of an alternative world, where the optimism and poetry of forms challenge the traditional perception of pictorial space.

Checkmate 116x89cm

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

11

Carysmatic is a multidisciplinary artist working across digital illustration, traditional media, and zine-making. The work is rooted in personal experience, using creative expression as a way to unravel the complexities of self-awareness, inner dialogue, and the chaotic beauty of the mind.

This selection of works follows the theme of Awakening Creativity, focusing specifically on the inner process of awakening creativity within oneself — embracing disorder, vulnerability, and personal truth along the way.

SCATTER BRAIN

Medium: Digital Art (Procreate)

"Scatter Brain" is my first piece created using Procreate on my tablet, using myself as a reference.

The piece captures how I perceive my own brain — constantly scattered, yet intentionally so. I liked how you phrased it: "acknowledging disorder while also taking control of it." That’s exactly how this piece came to life. I scatter my thoughts out of my head, just like scattering sunflower seeds.

Every object within the brain has both sentimental and symbolic meaning. Music is hugely important to me, but here the earbuds and cassette are tangled — representing my complicated relationship with my thoughts. The sparklers, lighter, and battery capture my excitable, hyperactive side. Meanwhile, the marbles, chewed gum, and crumpled paper reflect disorder and chaos. Some symbols, like the nut, screw, and question mark keyring, are more literal. Yet, in all its chaos and colour, the piece becomes a beautiful mess — much like my creative mind itself.

Scatter_Brain

12

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

SCREAM BLUE

Medium: Acrylic Paint "Scream Blue" explores the darker side of self — the fear of facing ‘the blue’ moments of sadness, doubt, and inner conflict. Yet it’s also about resisting that fear, screaming against it, and reclaiming my voice. Painting it felt like releasing a scream I’d been holding in. It’s messy, emotional, and a direct reflection of catharsis through creativity.

Scream_Blue

STRANGLED BY SELF-AWARENESS

Medium: Digital Art (Procreate) This piece addresses the overwhelming nature of self-awareness — when being hyper-conscious of yourself and your surroundings becomes suffocating. I wanted to capture the way your own mind can feel like it’s tightening around you, leaving you caught in an endless loop of overthinking and self-scrutiny.

Working digitally allowed me to layer these feelings visually, combining sharpness, distortion, and noise to reflect that mental pressure.

Strangled_By_Self_Awareness

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

13

You Can’t Run From Yourself

YOU CAN’T RUN FROM YOURSELF

Creative Process Statement My creative process is fairly fluid at the moment

Medium: Fineliner on Paper

— whenever an idea sparks, I immediately write it

"You Can’t Run From Yourself" comes from a larger

pages. Pinterest is one of my biggest sources of

project I’ve been developing over the past two years.

It fits naturally into this exploration of Awakening Creativity, particularly in the sense of awakening creative awareness within myself. It’s a reminder that no matter how far you run — creatively or emotionally — you always end up facing yourself again. Creativity becomes both the escape and the confrontation.

down in my ‘art ideas’ notes or my zine planning visual inspiration, but I also draw heavily from song lyrics, random moments in my everyday life, and the unfiltered thoughts bouncing around my head.

Beyond these four pieces, I also work across a range of media, including a self-published zine and an ongoing ink-on-paper graphic novel, both of which continue to explore themes of internal chaos, self-reflection, and creativity as a tool for understanding myself.

14

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

The White Picket Fence “A Spring day makes the whole world sing, as though heaven’s kisses are everywhere.”

Original art & quote (c) ~ Lizzie Jayne, 2024

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

15

TREVOR Howard HOWARD Trevor A LIFE THROUGH THE LENS:

A

My Journey in Photography and Art

mid a chaotic adolescence, I found

In the autumn of 1970, I embarked on my college years—a

solace in the unexpected. Emerging

period that would prove transformative. Those years,

from a school career marred by

stretching until 1978, were a revelation, shaping my identity

missteps and misunderstandings, I surprised my

as an artist and photographer. Academia introduced me

friends, family, and even myself when I declared

to the works of Walker Evans and Peter Henry Emerson,

my desire to become a photographer. It was

whose ability to capture everyday life and rural landscapes

as though the shutter of a camera had clicked

with authenticity and emotion left a profound impact on

open a world previously obscured.

my understanding of photography. Evans' documentary style and Emerson's pioneering naturalistic approach highlighted the beauty and complexity of ordinary moments, inspiring me to explore and express my own narrative through the lens. Their contributions shaped my perception of the subtle nuances of human experience, urging me to delve deeper into visual storytelling. At the same time, artists such as Cy Twombly and Willem de Kooning challenged my perception of reality, pushing me to embrace abstraction and its emotive power.

Withered Budaleja

16

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

Yet, as the years passed, the allure of the high life began to fade. I sought something more meaningful—a way to give back and connect more deeply. Thus began my thirty-year odyssey as an art therapist and lecturer. Through art, I guided others through their own emotional landscapes. Teaching followed, where I shared my passion for art, design, and photography with countless students, igniting sparks of creativity and fostering success in the next generation.

Recently, as the world shifted once more, so did my focus. Returning to my roots, I have been deeply engaged in twelve-color photographic printmaking, a medium that allows me to channel over fifty years of photographic practice into something tangible. Each

Night & Day

print distils my journey, a blend of experience and

As my skills developed and my confidence grew, my

innovation.

work began to attract attention beyond the confines of the campus. Exhibitions in London, Bristol, Cardiff, New York, Germany, and France marked the beginning of my artistic journey, each one a stepping stone that affirmed I was on the right path.

Upon graduating, I returned to London, my hometown—a city throbbing with creative energy. Setting up my studio in the vibrant neighborhood of Kensington, my friends and I immersed ourselves in the thriving punk scene of the late '70s and early '80s. Our work embodied the era's rebellious spirit. It was a time of prolific output; we made foundational contributions in film, live music, and television comedy. Alongside these pursuits, I crafted personal projects involving drawing, collage, and sculpture. London was alive, and so were we.

Esplinade Boscombe

Now, with renewed enthusiasm, I am eager to explore new opportunities in exhibiting and print sales. The journey is far from over, and with each new project, I am reminded of the moment when, as a young dreamer, I picked up a camera and decided to see the world through its lens. The adventure continues, unravelling with each click of the shutter, forever unfolding.

Aire de service road to Rouen

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

17

BETTINA HEINEN-AYECH

Bettina Heinen (1937-2020)

Bettina - 1962 in Bern

Erwin Bowien (1899-1972). She remained close to him throughout her life, travelling with him on numerous art trips throughout Europe. Above all, however, it was her courage, insatiable curiosity and unbridled enthusiasm that enabled her to see the world in ever new ways, from Norway to Sylt, from Paris to Algeria, and to capture it in her paintings. Together with Bettina Heinen-Ayech and later Amud Uwe Millies, the cosmopolitan Erwin Bowien founded the Artists' Colony `Black House’ in Solingen. They formed the three painting protagonists of the Artists' Colony, the 'Solingen painters' triumvirate'.

Already the 1951 Self-Portrait, a collage in flat, free form and colour, created at the age of 14, gives an idea of why Bettina Heinen-Ayech was also called a `child prodigy´. Although the wild emotionality of her work may have seemed more

The Rediscovery of an Extraordinary Painter Bettina Heinen-Ayech (1937-2020) was the

18

than unusual to some contemporaries, she was accepted as a regular student at the Cologne Werkschulen at the age of 17. None other than Karl Schmitt-Rottluff gave the then 18-year-old the legendary advice: 'Bettina, stay true to yourself! She was discovered by the Frankfurt gallery owner Hanna Bekker vom Rath, a close

daughter of the journalist and poet Hanns Heinen and his

friend of Schmitt-Rottluff. The gallery owner

wife Ern Heinen-Steinhoff, who ran an art and literature

later included her in the internationally acclaimed

salon in the houses of the Artists' Colony `Black House’.

exhibition 'Deutsche Kunst der Gegenwart

Growing up in a free-spirited and intellectual environment

1955-1956'. This catapulted young Bettina

in Solingen, where feelings and thoughts were particularly

into the big league of contemporary art, where she

important, she had the best conditions and opportunities

exhibited alongside Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Paul

to develop her impressive talent. It was here that Bettina

Klee, Max Beckmann, Max Ernst, Ernst Ludwig

met her most important teacher and mentor, the painter

Kirchner and Käthe Kollwitz.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

Erwin Bowien

H E I N E N - A Y E C H

Her first name, Bettina, is her signature and established artist name, and it stands for her clarity and an extraordinarily impressive body of work. With passion and spontaneity, she painted what she saw, with great honesty about herself and what she portrayed. Nothing is artistically mannered. She painted what she saw and how she saw it, without compromise. She created an independent, post-impressionist style with expressive elements that can rightly claim its place in the art world. Until her death in 2020, Algeria and Solingen would alternate as the centre of her life. Bettina Heinen-Ayech leaves behind a magnificent and varied oeuvre. It is the life's work of an emancipated It was in Paris, the city of love, where she painted en

woman, a great artist and a commuter between worlds.

plein air in the Jardin du Luxembourg with her teacher

Bettina Heinen-Ayech has already received major

and companion Erwin Bowien, that she met her future husband, the Algerian businessman Abdelhamid Ayech, at the age of 23. After studying at the art academies of Cologne, Munich and Copenhagen, a stay of several months in Luxor, Egypt, led to an awakening that allowed her to discover the desert and the light of the Orient.

recognition during her lifetime, including the Cultural Prize o the Bürgerstiftung Baden in 1993 and two State Prizes from the Algerian Ministry of Culture in 2009 and 201 for the artist's complete works. Bettina Heinen-Ayech's exhibition list includes over 90 major solo exhibitions in museums and important cultural institutions in Europe and North Africa.

Numerous museums own paintings by the artist.

After her death in 2020, the non-profit ‘Bettina Heinen-Ayech Foundation - Foundation for Art, Culture and International Dialogue’ was established in 2022 to preserve for posterity the life's work of the great

B E T T I N A

painter Bettina Heinen-Ayech and the protagonists of the Artists' Colony `Black House´ Solingen: Erwin Bowien, Hanns Heinen, Amud Uwe Millies and Erna Heinen-Steinhoff.

While Bettina Heinen-Ayech is considered an exceptional national artist in Algeria, she has been Heliopolis

In 1963, she moved to her Algerian husband's home town of Guelma. The towns of Guelma and Biskra were t become the artist's most important places of work in Algeria.

somewhat overlooked by the European art world in recent years due to the modern ´zeitgeist`. However, Bettina Heinen-Ayech and the Solingen Artists' Colony have received numerous posthumous awards and her life's work has been brought back to the attention of the art world.

A renaissance or rediscovery of this important painter is now taking place.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

19

Lady in Kopenhagen

as a great artist, as the most important protagonist of the Solingen Artists' Colony `Black House’ and for her commitment as an ambassador for international understanding between East and West.

In addition, the painter Bettina Heinen-Ayech (19372020) has been included in the website https:// pantheon.world of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the world's leading universities in the United States. More than 2000 of the world's most important painters, from antiquity to the present day, are ranked and visualised there. Bettina Heinen-Ayech is now included in the Who's Who of the world's most important painters. 2025 will also be an important year for the rediscovery and appreciation of Bettina HeinenAyech.

In 2023, the Solingen Artists' Colony `Black House’ will become a partner member of the European Federation of Artists' Colonies (euroart) - a distinction of European standing. In addition, this year has seen another important and significant recognition of the European dimension.

The Black House Solingen Artists' Colony has been included in the Council of Europe's Impressionism Routes ©. The Minister President of North Rhine- Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, expressed his congratulations on these recognitions, which pay special tribute to the rich cultural heritage of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany.

In 2024, Bettina Heinen-Ayech was inducted into the exclusive circle of the most important historical women's figures in North Rhine-Westphalia, 'FrauenOrte NRW', by the FrauenRat NRW, an association of around 50 women's organisations and groups. The Women's Places in North Rhine-Westphalia commemorate women who have played a decisive role in shaping the history of this federal state. Bettina Heinen-Ayech was chosen self portrait in Ticino

20

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

Eternal Grace Winner of the prestigious RBSA Award 2025 H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

21

Unearthing

I

n an era dominated by digital precision and mass production, the delicate, labour-intensive art of metal engraving stands as a testament to craftsmanship,

patience, and heritage. One artist keeping this intricate tradition alive is Mohammadhadi Ghahramanpouri, a master metal engraver with over 17 years of experience. His dedication to transforming raw copper and silver into breathtaking narrative works has not only earned him recognition but has also positioned him as a guardian of a fading craft.

Spirit of the Wind

The Artist’s Journey

The Art of Metal Engraving

Ghahramanpouri’s passion for engraving was ignited by the timeless textures and enduring beauty of metalwork. His ability to weave stories through precise lines and detailed patterns has allowed him to create extraordinary pieces that transcend time.

His work is deeply rooted in tradition, yet it speaks to a modern audience that values authenticity and handcrafted excellence.

22

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

A Call to Action The history of art is shaped by those who champion its cause— patrons, advocates, and artists who refuse to let heritage fade into obscurity.

Ghahramanpouri is seeking like-minded individuals and organisations to join him in this mission. By

floral symphony

showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of traditional engraving, he hopes to inspire a renewed appreciation for the skill, patience, and vision required to create such

Eternal Melody

His recent achievements underscore his impact on the art world: •

•

•

works.

He invites the art world to engage with his creations, to witness the depth and beauty of metal engraving, and

Eternal Grace! – Selected for the Friends 2025

to be part of the movement to keep this craft alive. This

exhibition at the RBSA Gallery in Birmingham, where

ancient practice can continue to thrive with support,

he was honoured with the prestigious RBSA Award.

serving as both a historical record and an enduring

Floral Symphony – Showcased at the Echoes of

artistic expression.

Two Lands exhibition in London (15th-18th Jan),

For those who wish to delve deeper into his work,

celebrating cultural and artistic fusion.

Ghahramanpouri has shared images of his engravings—

Guardian of Peace – Nominated for the Vernice Art Fair 2025 in Italy, further cementing his place on the international art scene.

Preserving a Timeless Tradition Despite these achievements, traditional metal engraving faces an uncertain future. With digital technologies and

testaments to the intricate detail and immense dedication involved in each piece. These works are not just metal but stories, traditions, and legacies etched in time.

Hidden Talents Magazine is proud to spotlight artists like Ghahramanpouri, whose mastery and passion illuminate the world of fine craftsmanship. In celebrating his journey, we hope to encourage appreciation, dialogue, and action to preserve

automated methods becoming the industry standard,

one of the world’s

the painstaking skill of hand engraving is at risk of

most intricate and

disappearing. Fewer artisans are pursuing this craft, and

valuable art forms.

access to high-quality tools and materials is becoming

If you would like

increasingly scarce.

further details on

For Ghahramanpouri, preserving this tradition is more

how to sign up for

than an artistic pursuit—it is a responsibility. Through his

one of his workshops,

work, he raises awareness of the cultural and historical

send us your details

significance of hand engraving, encouraging institutions,

with the subject

collectors, and art enthusiasts to support its survival.

Metal Engraving

He believes that through education, exhibitions, and

Workshop to: Admin@

collaborations, this art form can be revitalised and passed down to future generations.

thearchesproject.org Guardian of Peace

H i d d en Tal e nt s M ag az i ne 2025

23

Blue Night Fog-120x90

MIRACLE PLANET EARTH Act Together For A Better Future

T 24

he Earth, our home planet, is a unique place

In a world where nature is often pushed into the

full of wonder and beauty. From majestic

background, it is time to raise our voices for the

mountains to seemingly endless oceans to

protection of our planet. In today’s world, when the

lush forests and their fantastic wildlife. The

challenges facing the environment are becoming

diversity of nature is breathtaking when viewed with

ever more pressing, it is important to focus on the

love and respect. My paintings reflect exactly this

essentials. The motto is: protect the earth, protect

theme and the beauty of nature. Art can convey a

nature, protect animals. The responsibility of each

powerful message and inspire us to reflect on our

individual and compassion are crucial in the here and

influence on the environment.

now.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

Sommerträume- Summer dreams - 120x80 -2021

Each of us is called upon to take responsibility and make

remains standing contributes to the stability of the

our contribution. As humans, we must do our best to

ecosystem and helps to slow down global warming. The

protect or save our home planet, animals, nature and

challenges are great, but the solutions are within reach.

their survival. This responsibility begins in everyday life.

It is often the small decisions that can have a big impact.

A conscious use of resources and a respectful attitude towards nature are the keys to a sustainable future.

We must be aware that the earth is not just a place we inhabit, but a living system that urgently needs our care and protection. Loving nature and animals will guide us into committing ourselves to its conservation, even if it is often inconvenient. Because what you love, you protect!

A particularly effective way to have a positive influence is to choose a plant-based diet. With this decision, people protect the rainforests and stop the clearing of land for animal feed. Until now, many trees have been felled on huge areas to grow grain and soy, which is used to feed farm animals, having devastating effects not only on wildlife, but also on the climate.

Forests are the lungs of the earth. They filter the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for countless species. It is therefore important to protect the rainforests and protect the climate. Every tree that Life Dream - 100 x110 - Öl - 2022

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

25

Naturschützen - Protecton of nature - 100x100 - 2022

It is important that protecting nature is not seen as a burden but as an opportunity. Switching to a sustainable lifestyle can be fun. Whether trying out new recipes with fresh, plant-based ingredients or discovering the diversity of nature - there are many ways to be active and at the same time increase your own well-being. Spring in particular, with its seasonal ingredients such as broccoli and strawberries, invites us to explore plant-based dishes in all their variety. And there are many types of vegetables. They can easily be processed into tasty dishes.

By choosing sustainable practices, promote their own health, but also that of the Earth. It is time for each individual to become a hero, a saviour and a custodian of nature. Together, we can create a wave of change that will protect not only the Earth, but also future generations.

When we realize what a unique

becomes easy for us! Every small step we take every day

place this beautiful earth is that deserves our care

in the right direction of sustainability and environmental

and protection, then the responsibility we bear for it

protection is important when it comes to making decisions in our everyday lives.

The earth needs responsible people – and perhaps the next pioneer and benefactor is already in the kitchen, preparing a delicious, plant-based dish. The motto is: Let us work together for a better future. Let us change our society through compassion, love and mindfulness. Together we can achieve a lot and we should be aware every day of what we mean by the two words “Mother Earth”! Most people treat their mother with a lot of love and respect and that is how we should treat planet Earth. We should be grateful every day to be able to live on this fantastic planet Earth and be aware that it does not belong to us! Because Mother Earth does not belong to us! We are only passing guests and that is how we should behave.

By Beate Foerster & Katja Luhrs

Nur für Dich

26

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

“Where are you going?” shouted Poppy to her friends, as she watched them hop over a ditch and into a muddy field.

“To pasture news,” they shouted back. “We’ve heard the grass is much greener over there with lots of delicious flowers to enjoy. Are you coming with us?”

Bemused, the rabbit shook her head and smiled. She wasn’t going anywhere. She picked up her gardening can and sprinkled the ground with fresh water.

“The grass is only green where you water it the most,” she hollered back.

“Appreciate and nurture what you have, for one day it might be gone, and then you’ll miss it!”

But, her friends were nowhere to be seen.

“They’re probably pawdeep in mud and sludge by now,” thought Poppy, munching on a sweet, juicy blackberry. “Silly rabbits!”

What a wise bunny you are, Poppy!

Original art & Short Story (c) ~ Lizzie Jayne.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

27

JACOB CHANDLER A Year of Artistic Triump

H

idden Talents Magazine is thrilled to shine a welldeserved spotlight on Jacob Chandler, an artist who has

had an exceptional 2024—a year marked by creative growth, impactful public installations, and a deepening connection between his art and the world around him.

A defining moment of the year came with the unveiling of HOPE. This striking three-meter-tall stainless steel sculpture now stands proudly outside the newly opened Metropolitan University Hospital in Birmingham, UK. This bold and emotive piece stands as both a tribute and a reminder—paying homage to the tireless efforts of healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenging years that followed.

Jacob’s artistic process for HOPE was as collaborative as it was meaningful.

Working closely with healthcare workers from the project’s earliest stages, he ensured their voices, experiences, and sacrifices were interwoven into the heart of the sculpture itself. The final form—a

What makes Chandler’s work particularly

resolute figure standing atop a kite shield-like base—symbolizes courage on the front line. The figure’s poise and posture draw direct inspiration from

with profound storytelling. HOPE is not just an

Florence Nightingale, the legendary

artwork; it is a monument to resilience, balancing

“Lady with the Lamp,” adding historical depth to the contemporary tribute.

28

compelling is his ability to fuse sculptural precision

industrial strength with emotional weight, a fusion Chandler has mastered over the years.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

This expansive new collection took centre stage in a solo exhibition and site-specific installation at the historic Soulton Hall—a location believed to have

Whether working in steel, print, or relief sculpture, Chandler’s command of form

inspired Shakespeare himself and even referenced

and energy is unmistakable. His ability

in As You Like It. By placing these contemporary

to capture not only motion but emotion,

interpretations within the centuries-old fabric of Soulton Hall, Chandler created a dialogue between past and present, breathing modern life into a timeless story. These large-scale print work has already earned critical acclaim including high praise

translating both into tangible form, continues to define him as a bold creative force in the contemporary art scene.

from Dr Will Tosh, Head of Research at The Globe Theatre, Who declared " Jacob Chandlers collection captures the vitality of Shakespeare s characters their full edgy, front footed dynamic beauty. This is the world of "As You Like It"

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

29

JACOB CHANDLER AT SOULTON HALL In Hoc Signo — A Fusion of Geometry, Light & Meaning

This rich fusion of history, mathematics, and spirituality finds a fitting home at Soulton Hall, a place whose architecture and historic symbolism naturally echo the sculpture’s themes.

Hidden Talents Magazine is delighted to follow Jacob Chandler’s journey through this extraordinary year, and we look forward to sharing further insights into the exciting projects already lined up for 2025.

A

s part of his ongoing collaboration with Soulton Hall and Byrga Geniht, Jacob Chandler is proud to present his latest culturally significant work: In Hoc Signo.

This remarkable sculpture, created alongside James D. Wenn and James Syrett, explores the interplay of geometry, light, and symbolism, translating ancient wisdom into contemporary form.

The work draws on the rhombic dodecahedron, a shape renowned for its ability to tessellate 3D space, embodying both order and complexity. Its title, In Hoc Signo, references the legendary vision of Constantine the Great, who saw a cross of light accompanied by the words “In hoc signo vinces”— in this sign, you shall conquer. This vision directly led to the Edict of Milan, legalizing Christianity and altering history forever.

30

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

BREAKING BOUNDARIES: Hemant Dhane Journey of Endless Exploration aking risks and being experimental

After viewing all the paintings, he approached

are golden signs of liveliness for any

me and said, "Paintings getting sold may be

working artist. An artist must break

more problematic for an artist than remaining

his own creative barriers without

unsold." Coincidentally, on the last day of the

fear of criticism. I strongly believe

show, a private art gallery bought all my abstract

that one's inner voice is the most authentic guide

works. However, instead of celebrating the joy

in life.

of a successful sale, my mind kept reminding me

In 2010, eminent artist Prabhakar Kolte Sir visited my first group show at Jehangir Art Gallery.

of Sir's wise words. Fortunately, I was sensible enough to understand the deeper meaning behind them. I took it as a valuable insight into life.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

31

Over the years, I have realized that unless an artist reaches a concrete understanding of their own artistic philosophy, they must continue experimenting and exploring new ways to express themselves. I can confidently say that my constant dissatisfaction with my work is the true driving force that pushes me to explore new avenues in my art practice. I have never confined myself to a single technique or medium. If our minds are constantly evolving, how can we, as artists, be satisfied with any one particular technique or style?

Oil pastel on paper _ 12 x 8"

Later, in 2017, my first solo show at Jehangir Art Gallery was also successful—both economically and in terms of the appreciation I received from senior artists, which was truly motivating. Once again, Kolte Sir visited my show

Untitled - A 6 x 6” Secret black ink on imported mount.

25,000 /2019

and appreciated my work immensely. But then, he told me, "Painting accha hona ye bhi ek problem hai!" ("Getting good at painting is also a problem!") His words struck me deeply, and I understood what he meant. The essence of his thought was that an artist should never get trapped within his own success or comfort zone.

Such questions regarding art have haunted me day and night, often leading to mental struggles. However, I remained consistent in my art practice, continuously reading and studying art documentaries. Despite all these years of practice, I was never truly satisfied with my work. I always feared being trapped in a particular style-based identity because I was aware of my creative potential and its infinite possibilities. My inner voice kept

Even though I primarily practice and understand the language of abstract art, I have always experimented with and explored other modern art forms—sometimes expressive portraits, abstract landscapes, pure abstract compositions, collages, and even 3D artworks using scrap materials. My artistic journey has been a constant conflict between representational and non-representational art forms. Success in one particular style has never satisfied me. That is why I follow my inner voice and continuously strive to understand the language of art more deeply.

telling me: Be versatile. Explore more and more art forms.

Cross your boundaries and let your creative energy flow freely.

32

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

spontaneously, with bold, expressive strokes. They are

B REA KING BOUNDARIES

In contrast, my modern portraits are painted

raw, intense, and effortless. I have found beauty even in

pain, and this emotion is reflected in my portraits. Many of the characters in my portraits appear introverted, conveying the idea that humans must look within to understand life more deeply. The contrast between my subtle abstracts and my bold portraits signifies the

inner conflict within me. That is why my work oscillates between abstraction and semi-abstraction—it is a dialogue between my inner and outer worlds.

More than abstraction itself, I am concerned with the Hemant Dhane _ Painting _ Untitled -E 18”x 23” Mixed Media On Treated Paper Pasted On Ply 2022

For me, the process of painting is highly sensitive. It involves contemplation, experimentation, invention, risk, pain, joy, restlessness, and all aspects of the human

essence of abstraction in any art form. An artist must

free his art from himself as well. If one clings too tightly

to their creative force, it may become suffocating. But if set free, it will flow like a river, nourishing the seeds of creativity.

Hemant Dhane

psyche. This artistic process is closely tied to the spontaneity of nature. Being an introverted person, this introspection is reflected in my work.

I have always been psychologically drawn to the colour black. Black absorbs light, and light is often considered a symbol of knowledge. I am a seeker, constantly hungry for knowledge about the miraculous universe and the human mind. To me, black is introverted—it hides, while white reveals. Though minimalistic, the possibilities within these two colours are endless. I have experimented with black and white for many years, and I continue to do so.

For me, these colours symbolize a life of minimal desires, allowing the mind to rest and harness its infinite energy.

Inspired by these two colours, I have explored various materials in my work. Sometimes, my emotions push me to express myself forcefully, and black helps me convey those emotions in a minimal yet powerful way.

I have created a series of abstract portraits and works inspired by nature and human emotions. My abstract works are subtle, layered, and filled with delicate textures—where even a single small scratch can disrupt the entire composition. I avoid using ready-made colours, preferring to create my own, which is evident in my works. My abstract paintings exude silence and serenity,

Dry Pastels On Paper - 44 X 33”

a quality that also extends to my abstract landscapes.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

33

AR TH TT E HE H A A

T H E A R T T H AT H E A L

THE ART ART THAT THAT HEALS

34

A Journey Through Imagination and Creativity

A

rt has been my constant companion since childhood, a language through which I

express my emotions, dreams, and the beauty I see in the world

I always loved drawing with the colourful crayons

my parents gave me, just like most children. It didn’t matter whether it was on the wall or paper. Many

things have changed in my life, but my love for art has never wavered; instead, it has only grown with age.

I mostly draw and paint from my imagination, even

though it may not always be a 100% accurate visual

representation of what I envision. However, it gives

my creativity a new perspective every time and helps

me express what I feel. At the end of every artwork, I feel healed and appreciate every moment in life.

Reading books about various topics and observing

the natural environment are my biggest inspirations for creating art. I always try to trust the process of

painting and remain patient with my creativity and my artistic journey.

Sitting under the fairytale dream sea

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

AL AT S

perfectly imperfect

Perfectly Imperfect: Woman She was born a princess but made herself a queen of her own life. She is like a garden full of diverse flowers, each representing a different aspect of her charm. Her fiery hair symbolizes the struggles she has faced, while her ocean-blue eyes reflect the calmness with which she endures pain. Her coat represents her love and peacefulness. Harsh words, like arrows, were thrown at her back, causing her pain. Yet, her suffering and blood transform into golden pieces of strength and power. No matter the season—summer, winter, or times of celebration—she remains standing tall, holding her head high with a crown, always moving forward, making sure that "Everything is perfectly fine." Sitting Under the . Fairytale. Dream Sea

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

35

The magical dream lamp

Once, I dreamt of living under the ocean as a human. How wonderful it would be to be surrounded by different sea creatures, seeing them every day and night! I still wonder—would they befriend me and accept me as I am?

3. Colourful Sky with Garden and Mountain In this painting, I have attempted to capture how the ocean and the rainbow might blend together in the sky, as envisioned in my imagination alongside mountains and a garden filled with flowers.

The Magical Dream Lamp Amidst small lanterns, a purple flower with glowing petals appears inside a lamp, like a magical treasure in the sky—something everyone wishes to possess.

Colorful Sky with Garden and mountain

36

Mohaiman Sultana. Miva

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

BEYOND THE PIER: Discover Brighton’s BestKept Seaside Wonders

I remember feeling the pull of the seaside, as if the very essence of Brighton beach was calling me to leave behind the clamor of daily life. Every detail— the gentle lapping of the waves, the cool caress of the breeze, the serene rhythm of the tide—spoke of a sanctuary where worries melted away and every breath was infused with hope.

That evening, as I watched the light slowly fade, I made a silent promise to myself: come summer, I would journey back to Brighton. I imagined walking along its sandy stretches, letting the ebb and flow of the sea wash over me, cleansing away every care. In that vision, the beach was more than a place—it was a symbol of renewal and the promise of endless possibilities, where each

O

sunrise brought with it a new beginning and every n a quiet Tuesday evening, when the sun dipped low in a blaze of gold and pink, I captured a moment that would forever change my heart. In that single photo, the sky stretched out like an

endless canvas—its blue expanse dotted with delicate, drifting white clouds, mirroring another sea in the heavens.

Below, the calm sea shimmered in subtle shades of grey and blue, its surface as serene as a whispered secret, while

sunset whispered peace.

Now, with summer on the horizon, the memory of that Tuesday evening fuels my anticipation. I long to feel the warmth of the sun, to hear the timeless song of the waves, and to stand before the vast, comforting blue that mirrors the sky. Brighton beach beckons with an inspiring promise: a chance to rediscover myself, to find solace in nature’s

untouched pebbles lay scattered along the shore, each one

embrace, and to leave all worries behind.

a silent testament to nature’s timeless artistry.

Beyond the Pier:

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

37

BETTINA HEINEN-AYECH

Bettina Heinen (1937-2020)

Bettina - 1962 in Bern

und Mentor kennen,den Maler Erwin Bowien (1899-1972). Sie blieb ihm ein Leben lang verbunden und unternahm mit ihm zahlreiche Kunstreisen durch ganz Europa. Vor allem aber waren es ihr Mut, ihre unstillbare Neugier und ihre ungestüme Begeisterung, die sie die Welt von Norwegen bis Sylt, von Paris bis Algerien immer wieder neu sehen und malerisch erfassen ließen. Gemeinsam mit Bettina Heinen-Ayech und später Amud Uwe Millies gründete der Kosmopolit Erwin Bowien die Künstlerkolonie 'Schwarzes Haus' Solingen. Sie bildeten die drei malenden Akteure der Künstlerkolonie das „Maler-Dreigestirn“ von Solingen.

Schon das 1951 im Alter von 14 Jahren entstandene „Selbstbildnis“, eine Collage in flächig freier Formund Farbgebung, lässt erahnen, warum Bettina Heinen-Ayech auch als „Wunderkind“ bezeichnet wurde. Auch wenn die wilde Emotionalität ihrer Arbeiten manchem Zeitgenossen mehr als

Die Wiederentdeckung einer bedeutenden Malerin Bettina Heinen-Ayech (1937-2020) ist die Tochter

38

ungewöhnlich erscheinen mochte, wurde sie dennoch mit nur 17 Jahren als ordentliche Studentin an den Kölner Werkschulen aufgenommen. Kein Geringerer als Karl Schmitt-Rottluff gab der damals 18-Jährigen wenig später den legendären Rat: „Bettina, bleib dir treu!“ Entdeckt hatte sie übrigens die Frankfurter Galeristin Hanna Bekker vom Rath,

des Journalisten und Dichters Hanns Heinen und von Erna

eine Vertraute Schmitt-Rottluffs. Die Galeristin

Heinen-Steinhoff, die in den Häusern der Künstlerkolonie

nimmt sie später auch in die weltweit beachtete

„Schwarzes Haus“ ihren Kunst- und Literatursalon unterhielt.

Ausstellung „Deutsche Kunst der Gegenwart 1955-

Aufgewachsen in einem freigeistigen und intellektuellen

1956“ auf. Damit wird die junge Bettina in die erste

Milieu in Solingen, in dem das Gefühlte und Gedachte

Liga der zeitgenössischen Kunstwelt katapultiert

besonders wichtig war, hatte sie die besten Voraussetzungen

und stellt neben Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Paul Klee,

und Bedingungen, um ihr beeindruckendes Talent zu

Max Beckmann, Max Ernst, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

entfalten. Hier lernte Bettina auch ihren wichtigsten Lehrer

und Käthe Kollwitz aus.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

H E I N E N - A Y E C H

Erwin Bowien

Ihr Vorname „Bettina“ steht als Signatur und etablierter Künstlername für ihre Klarheit und ein außergewöhnlich beeindruckendes Werk. Mit Leidenschaft und Spontaneität malte sie, was sie sah, mit großer Ehrlichkeit sich selbst und dem Dargestellten gegenüber. Nichts ist künstlerisch manieriert. Kompromisslos malte sie, was sie sah und wie sie es sah. Sie prägte ihren eigenständigen, post-impressionistischen Kunststil mit expressiven Elementen, der zu Recht seinen Platz in der Kunstwelt beanspruchen kann. Bis zu ihrem Tod im Jahr 2020 wird Algerien abwechselnd mit Solingen ihr Lebensmittelpunkt sein. Bettina Heinen-Ayech Ausgerechnet in Paris, der Stadt der Liebe, wo sie zusammen mit ihrem Lehrer und Weggefährten Erwin Bowien im 'Jardin du Luxembourg'

hinterlässt ein großartiges und vielfältiges Werk. Es ist das Lebenswerk einer emanzipierten Frau, einer großen Künstlerin und einer Pendlerin zwischen den Welten.

„plein air“ malt, lernt sie mit 23 Jahren ihren späteren

Mit der Verleihung des Kulturpreises 1993 der

Ehemann, den algerischen Unternehmer Abdelhamid

Bürgerstiftung Baden und zwei Staatspreisen des

Ayech, kennen. Nach ihrer Ausbildung an den

algerischen Kulturministeriums in den Jahren 2009

Kunstakademien in Köln,

und 2015 für das Gesamtwerk der Künstlerin hat

München und Kopenhagen führt ein mehrmonatiger Aufenthalt im ägyptischen Luxor zu einem

Bettina Heinen-Ayech bereits zu Lebzeiten große Anerkennung erfahren. Die Ausstellungsliste von Bettina Heinen-Ayech umfasst über 90 große Einzelausstellungen in Museen und wichtigen Kulturinstitutionen in Europa und Nordafrika.

Zahlreiche Museen besitzen Gemälde der Künstlerin.

Nach ihrem Tod im Jahr 2020 wurde 2022 die gemeinnützige Bettina

B E T T I N A

Heinen-Ayech Foundation - Stiftung für Kunst, Kultur und internationalen Dialog" gegründet, um das Lebenswerk der großen Malerin Bettina Heinen-Ayech und der Protagonisten der Künstlerkolonie im Schwarzen Haus" Solingen Erwin Bowien, Hanns Heinen, Amud Uwe Heliopolis

Erweckungserlebnis, das sie die Wüste und das Licht des Orients entdecken lässt. 1963 zog die Malerin zu ihrem algerischen Ehemann in dessen Heimatstadt Guelma. Die Städte Guelma und Biskra sollten in der Folge zu den wichtigsten algerischen Wirkungsstätten

Millies und Erna Heinen-Steinhoff für die Nachwelt zu bewahren.

Während Bettina Heinen-Ayech in Algerien als nationale Ausnahmekünstlerin gilt, ist sie in Europa in den letzten Jahren aufgrund des modernen Zeitgeistes etwas aus dem Blickfeld der Kunstwelt geraten.

der Künstlerin werden.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

39

Lady in Kopenhagen

Geschichte dieses Bundeslandes entscheidend mitgeprägt haben. Bettina Heinen-Ayech wurde als große Künstlerin, als wichtigste Protagonistin der Solinger Künstlerkolonie “Schwarzes Haus" und für ihr Engagement als Botschafterin der Völkerverständigung zwischen Orient und Okzident ausgewählt.

Zudem wurde die Malerin Bettina Heinen-Ayech (19372020) vom Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), einer der weltweit führenden Universitäten der USA, in die Website https://pantheon.world aufgenommen. Dort sind mehr als 2000 der weltweit bedeutendsten Maler:innen, die von der Antike bis heute gelebt haben, gerankt und visualisiert. Bettina Heinen-Ayech ist damit im weltweiten Who is Who der bedeutendsten Maler:innen der Welt angekommen.

Auch 2025 wird ein wichtiges Jahr für die Wiederentdeckung und Würdigung von Bettina Heinen-Ayech sein. So wird es eine Reihe von

Doch Bettina Heinen-Ayech und die Solinger Künstlerkolonie haben posthum zahlreiche

Ausstellungen geben, die Exponate aus dem Werk dieser großen Malerin zeigen

Auszeichnungen erhalten und ihr Lebenswerk wieder ins Zentrum der Kunstwelt gerückt. Nun findet eine Renaissance bzw.

Wiederentdeckung dieser bedeutenden Malerin statt.

2023 wurde die Solinger Künstlerkolonie „Schwarzes Haus“ Partner Member der "European Federation of Artist Colonies" (euroart) - eine Auszeichnung von europäischem Rang. Zudem gab es in diesem Jahr eine weitere große und bedeutende Anerkennung von europäischer Dimension. Die Künstlerkolonie „Schwarzes Haus“ Solingen wurde in die Kulturroute des Europarates Impressionisms Routes© aufgenommen. Entsprechend gratulierte Hendrik Wüst, Ministerpräsident des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen, ausdrücklich zu diese Anerkennungen, die das reiche kulturelle Erbe Nordrhein-Westfalens in besonderer Weise würdigen“.

Im Jahr 2024 wurde Bettina Heinen-Ayech vom FrauenRat NRW - einem Zusammenschluss von rund 50 Frauenverbänden und Frauengruppen - in den exklusiven Kreis der bedeutendsten historischen Frauenpersönlichkeiten „FrauenOrte NRW“ - in Nordrhein-Westfalen aufgenommen. FrauenOrte NRW erinnert an Frauenpersönlichkeiten, die die Selfportrait in Ticino

40

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

D

A

V

I

D

I

R

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

I

S

H

41

Blue Night Fog-120x90

WUNDERPLANET ERDE gemeinsam für eine bessere Zukunft

D 42

ie Erde, unser Zuhause, ist ein Ort voller

In einer Zeit, in der die Natur zunehmend bedroht

Wunder und Schönheit. Von majestätischen

wird, ist es wichtig, das Bewusstsein zu schärfen und

Bergen und riesigen Ozeanen bis hin zu

sich für den Schutz unseres Planeten einzusetzen. Die

üppigen Wäldern voller Wildtiere: Die Vielfalt

Umweltprobleme, mit denen wir heute konfrontiert

der Natur ist atemberaubend, wenn man sie mit Liebe

sind, erweisen als dringend. Wir müssen uns daher

und Respekt betrachtet. Meine Bilder spiegeln dieses

auf das Wesentliche konzentrieren. Dazu gehört der

Thema wider und feiern die Schönheit der Natur.

Schutz der Erde, die Bewahrung der Natur sowie der

Denn Kunst vermag bedeutungsvolle Botschaften zu

Tierschutz. Jeder hat eine Aufgabe und Mitgefühl ist

vermitteln. Sie regt zum Nachdenken über unsere

entscheidend für die Gestaltung einer nachhaltigen

Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt an.

Zukunft.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

Sommerträume- Summer dreams - 120x80 -2021

Wir alle tragen Verantwortung für das Wohl unseres

Eindämmung des Klimawandels von entscheidender

Planeten. Diese Pflicht wirkt sich auf unsere täglichen

Bedeutung. Jeder Baum, der stehen bleibt, stärkt unsere

Entscheidungen aus. Selbst kleine persönliche

Umwelt und verlangsamt die globale Erwärmung. Die

Veränderungen haben große Auswirkungen. Ein

Herausforderungen sind zwar groß, aber praktikable

bewusster Umgang mit Ressourcen sowie Respekt für die

Lösungen sind in Reichweite.

Natur sind deshalb entscheidend für Nachhaltigkeit.

Wir müssen uns bewusst machen: Die Erde ist mehr als nur ein Platz zum Leben. Sie ist ein lebendiges Ökosystem System. Sie braucht unsere Fürsorge. Wenn uns die Natur und die Tiere am Herzen liegen, engagieren wir uns auch für ihren Schutz – selbst wenn es unbequem ist. Denn was man liebt und respektiert, schützt man auch.

Umweltschutz gelingt besonders gut mit nachhaltigen Gewohnheiten. Dazu gehört etwa eine bewusste Ernährung. Denn eine Ernährung mit viel Gemüse hilft, den Regenwald zu schützen. Denn für die Tierhaltung werden große Waldflächen gerodet um Futtermittel anzubauen. Das hat schlimme Folgen für die Tierwelt sowie die Klimastabilität.

Wälder dienen als Lunge der Erde, filtern Luft, produzieren Sauerstoff und bieten Lebensraum für unzählige Arten. Der Schutz dieser Ökosysteme ist für die Erhaltung des ökologischen Gleichgewichts und die Life Dream - 100 x110 - Öl - 2022

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

43

Naturschützen - Protecton of nature - 100x100 - 2022

Betrachten wir Umweltschutz als Chance und nicht als Last.

Nachhaltiges Leben macht Freude und bringt Genuss. Vom Experimentieren mit pflanzlichen Rezepten bis hin zur Entdeckung der Schönheit der Natur: Es gibt viele Möglichkeiten, aktiv zu werden und gleichzeitig das persönliche Wohlbefinden zu steigern.

Der Frühling mit seinem Reichtum an Zutaten wie Brokkoli und Erdbeeren ist ein perfekter Zeitpunkt, um pflanzliche Gerichte zu entdecken. Gemüse lässt sich in köstliche, nahrhafte Mahlzeiten verwandeln und bietet eine bewusste Wahl. Sie steht im Einklang mit Nachhaltigkeit und ethischen Werten.

Durch die Übernahme umweltfreundlicher Praktiken können Einzelpersonen sowohl ihre eigene Gesundheit als auch die des Planeten verbessern. Jetzt ist es an der Zeit, dass jeder von uns sich als Hüter der Natur engagiert. Gemeinsam können wir eine Bewegung ins Leben rufen, die nicht nur die Erde, sondern auch zukünftige Generationen schützt.

Wenn wir unseren Planeten als einzigartiges und

wertvolles Zuhause ansehen, das Zuwendung benötigt, wird es selbstverständlich, Verantwortung zu übernehmen. Jeder noch so kleine Schritt hin zu Nachhaltigkeit oder Umweltschutz zählt. Durchdachte Entscheidungen im Alltag tragen zu einer größeren kollektiven Wirkung bei.

Die Erde braucht verantwortungsbewusste Menschen, die mit Achtsamkeit und Sorgfalt handeln. Vielleicht steht der nächste Pionier des Wandels bereits in seiner Küche und bereitet eine köstliche, pflanzliche Mahlzeit zu. Lassen Sie uns gemeinsam eine bessere Zukunft schaffen und eine Gesellschaft fördern, die von Mitgefühl, Liebe und Bewusstsein geprägt ist. Gemeinsam können wir bemerkenswerte Veränderungen erreichen und Mutter Erde ehren. So wie die meisten Menschen ihre Mütter mit Liebe und Respekt behandeln, so sollten auch wir unseren Planeten Erde wertschätzen. Wir haben das große Glück, dass die Erde unser Zuhause ist – aber sie gehört uns nicht! Wir sind lediglich ihre Gäste, und so sollten wir uns auch verhalten.

Beate Förster & Katja Lührs

Nur für Dich

44

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

CELEBRATING CREATIVITY: Honouring Talents, Innovation and Community

F

or the third consecutive time, The

So as we turn the final page of this vibrant

Arches Project has been honoured with

Spring edition, we invite you to reflect on the

the Heart of England Prestige Award, a

journey we’ve shared—a journey where creativity

testament to its unwavering dedication

blooms and hidden talents come to light. This

to fostering emerging artists and creative talent.

issue has united diverse voices and visions, from

Situated at the heart of Birmingham’s thriving arts

the stirring beginnings of Awakening of Spring

scene, The Arches Project serves as a dynamic

to the innovative expressions of artists and

platform for artistic expression, collaboration,

professionals.

and innovation.

We honour the legacy of the late Bettina

A space for emerging talents since its inception,

Heinen-Ayech (1937- 2020) while celebrating

The Arches Project has been a vital springboard

fresh perspectives that push the boundaries of

for new and underrepresented artists, providing

creativity. Each story, profile, and crafted detail

them with the space, support, and exposure

serves as a reminder that art is a living, breathing

needed to thrive. By offering exhibition

testament to the celebration of renewal and

opportunities, workshops, and support, it

resilience. Whether through culinary mastery or

continues to break barriers and cultivate fresh,

intricate craftmanship, we witness the boundless

original voices in contemporary art.

possibilities that emerge when passion meets

What we believe sets The Arches Project apart is

creativity. A heartfelt thank you to our small but

its emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration.

By bringing together visual artists, sculptors, musicians, digital creators, and performers, it fosters a rich tapestry of artistic dialogue that pushes creative boundaries.

Winning the Heart of England Prestige Award for the third time solidifies The Arches Project’s role as a beacon of creativity. This recognition not only celebrates our achievements but also reinforces its mission to nurture the next generation of artists and innovators.

As The Arches Project looks ahead, it remains committed to empowering creative minds, sparking conversations, and shaping the future of the arts

dedicated team of volunteers, whose unwavering commitment and hard work ensure that we continue to deliver excellence. Your dedication, consistency, and high standards have been instrumental in achieving this special award – we truly could not have done it without you.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating these hidden talents and for being part of our creative community. May the spirit of spring continue to inspire you to explore, create, discover, and transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Until we meet again, keep embracing the beauty of art in every form.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

45

Chef

Seared Hake, Cauliflower and Tarragon Purée

DEAN Unveils Exquisite New Menu Showcasing Seasonal Flavours

C

hef Dean has introduced a refined menu that artfully combines seasonal ingredients with culinary

expertise. The offerings include a succulent lamb rump paired with charred leeks, complemented by a rich red wine sauce and ewe's curd. Seafood enthusiasts can

Lamb Rump, Charred Leeks, Red Wine Sauce and Ewes Curd

savour the seared hake with a delicate cauliflower and tarragon purée. For a vegetarian delight, the chive gnocchi is served alongside charred leeks and ewe's curd, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Each dish reflects Chef Dean's commitment to quality and innovation, promising diners a memorable gastronomic experience.

Chive Gnocchi, Charred Leeks and Ewes Curd

46

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

Designed and Published by The Arches Project Ltd Advertising@thearchesproject.org Editorial Info @thearchesproject.org Web www.thearchesproject.org Tel +44 121-772-0852 The Arches Project Ltd, Adderley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B9 4EE. England UK DISCLAIMER Every Care has been taken during the production of this magazine by compiling editorials and advertorials. However, The Arches Project Ltd cannot accept responsibility for material supplied by third parties and excludes all liability relating to any products and services promoted within this publication or arising from any error, omission, or inaccuracy, nor is The Arches Project Ltd responsible for the content of external websites. Finally, the views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher, no part of this magazine must be copied or reproduced without written permission from the publishers.

Copyright© The Arches Project Ltd. All rights reserved.

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025

To all our supporters thank you

47

“Honey Hearts” “What do you see on your travels, Mrs Bee?” enquired the cat.

“A broken world that needs Hope,” she replied. “Lots of Hope.”

“Is that what the hearts are for?” asked the cat.

“Yes,” replied the bee. “I sprinkle them everywhere I go. I know I’m tiny, but do you think they’ve help?”

“Oh, they do!” smiled the cat. “Remember, it’s not the big things that matter; it’s the small things done with big love.”

Imagine if we were all like Mrs Bee? What a different world we would live in. Do something nice for someone today.

Original Art & Short Story (c) ~ Lizzie Jayne.

48

H i d d en Tal e nts Magaz i ne 2025