In my artistic work, I investigate how personal experience and collective knowledge, which is passed on from generation to generation, are connected. In doing so, I explore how images are shaped, how they relate to storytelling and what meaning is inherent in the chosen material. I translate my observations and analyses into artistic processes that are shaped by the selected material, the medium and specific production methods. In doing so, I allow tension to arise from the apparent incompatibility of artistic freedom and possible applications, as well as between the public and domestic spheres. In this field of tension, my work moves between the areas of visual art, arts and crafts (traditional methods of production, socio-cultural aspects), the mediation of art and SEA projects (Socially Engaged Art Projects).
In 2020, I founded the STUDIOSPACE Lange Strasse 31. It is a platform for exploring artistic processes and testing forms of communication in art.
I have been working with the British artist and fashion designer Felicity Brown since 2015.
I studied at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf (1991-1995) and the Städelschule Frankfurt (1996-1998) and learned the men's tailoring craft at the bespoke tailors Schmidt in Wiemeringhausen (journeyman's certificate 1988 - with distinction). From 1989 to 1991 I worked as a costume assistant and men's tailor at the Theater Dortmund. Between 1999 and 2002 I had a studio in Madrid, Spain, and from 2006 to 2011 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
I am committed to passing on textile craftsmanship skills to others. Since 2021, I have been teaching elementary school students textile craft traditions and offering open workshops at the family center in Bad Vilbel.
I have three children and live and work in Frankfurt am Main and Bad Vilbel.
Exhibitions at home and abroad (selection)
2023
TWO PLUS TWO (G) Christina Kral, Carolin Kropff, STUDIOSPACE Lange Strasse 31, Frankfurt/M
„“ Layla Juna & Carolin Kropff (G), STUDIOSPACE Lange Strasse 31, Frankfurt/M
Desert Gates - Back to the Future (S), STUDIOSPACE Lange Strasse 31, Frankfurt/M
„“ Geske Slater Johannsen & Carolin Kropff, STUDIOSPACE Lange Strasse 31, Frankfurt/M
2022
Inner City (G), Glue, Berlin
2022
Shape Play Shift (G), Christina Kral, Carolin Kropff, STUDIOSPACE Lange Strasse 31, Frankfurt/M
2021
„“ Hassan Sharif & Carolin Kropff (G), STUDIOSPACE Lange Strasse 31, Frankfurt/M
2017
Städelschule: 200 Jahre – 200 Künstler (G), Galerie Perpétuel, Frankfurt/M
2016
Experimentelle Korrespondenzen (G), MACS - Museum für Zeitgenössische Kunst, Sorocaba, Brasilien und Ausstellungshalle 1a, Frankfurt/M
2014
Paradise Lost (E), WOLFSTÆDTER Galerie, Frankfurt/M
2012
Re-Represented Portraits (S), Laboratoire d’Art Beirut, Libanon
2011
MinD (G), DUTAC Dubai, VAE
29EXH (G), Sharjah Art Museum Sharjah VAE
2010
FataMorgana (S), XVA Gallery, Dubai, VAE
BAF (G), XVA Gallery, Dubai UAE
2008
Made in Tashkeel (G), Tashkeel (G), Dubai, VAE
2006
Made in Tashkeel (G), Tashkeel (G), Dubai, VAE
2006
diesmal (G), Projektraum im Atelierfrankfurt Frankfurt/M
2003
Blachfeld (G), auswärts kunstraum Frankfurt/M
1998
Stuttgart 17.7.1956 – Salem (Wis.) USA 3.3.1977 (G), Portikus in Frankfurt, Deutschland.
1994
Kunsthaus am Tierpark (G), Dortmund
1993
Spektakel (G), Museum am Ostwall, Dortmund
1991
Kunststudenten stellen aus (G), Museum Beckum