Paintings

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In his oil paintings, Dietrich Grabas primarily deals with the

human individual in its fragile existence - the artistic composition of

the various figures is not determined by special gestures, but rather by aesthetics inherent in the bodies. 

 

First and foremost, the figures appear as a head piece, sometimes as

a half-figure, which face the viewer directly.

The face is often depicted en-face or with lighter to strong turn of the head, always with mysterious magic emanating from the eyes - behind them the whole depth of human feelings.

 

Inevitably, even at a first superficial approach, one is drawn in by

the direct gaze of the pictorial figures, almost spellbound.

It seems like if the painterly figures on the two-dimensional picture surface

are seeking contact, inviting to dialogue. This strength continues in

the posture, in the body language of the characters - 

despite inner fractures and external injuries they transmit

sublime pride and contemplative calm. No superfluous, intellectually overloaded gesture.

 

The painter depicts his figures on the canvas as they appear episodic

in his creative work. They appear in a natural, unaffected nudity,

as if there is no need for a veil or concealing clothing, 

freed from any constricting forms of time and fashion.

His characters - often androgynous creatures - blur the differences between men and women. Spears, swords and other weapons as well as wild animals are recurring elements in his pictures, which almost look

like body jewelry on the proud figures. 

 

The pictures by Grabas resemble an expressive color symphony.

The coloring is based on a strong palette in which the primary colors

red, yellow and the mysterious nuances of blue - especially different facets of green -  are used in all their variety. In this way, the individual is detached from his prejudiced skin color and Grabas' ideal of a "Weltmensch", without ethnic or national attributions gets revealed.