Petra Kaltenbach is a multi-award-winning artist, renowned for her groundbreaking work in fine art, video art, graphic design, and curation. Having relocated to Dubai in 2004, she was captivated by the rapid urban development surrounding her. In 2015, she made the courageous decision to fully dedicate herself to her artistic pursuits. Leveraging her background in graphic design, she seamlessly transitioned into painting and video art, often incorporating embedded technology such as QR codes into her pieces. More recently, Petra has ventured into the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), exploring the cutting-edge possibilities they offer.
In 2018, Petra’s mesmerizing video art was selected for display on the iconic façade of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Her remarkable talent earned her the esteemed title of best UAE-resident artist at World Art Dubai, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the art scene. Since 2019, Petra has taken on a pivotal role as part of the curatorial team at World Art Dubai, one of the largest art fairs in the Middle East.
A true artistic polymath, Petra Kaltenbach deftly combines technology, graphic design, videography, and fine art to create captivating contemporary pieces. Drawing from a place of profound perception and intuition, she delves into her inner consciousness to bring forth the unseen onto her canvas.
Born in Duisburg, Germany in 1962, Petra’s journey as an artist took a transformative turn upon her arrival in the UAE. Embracing her new home in a rapidly evolving city, she found inspiration in the theme of metamorphosis. Fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit in breaking free from psychological confines and embracing freedom and peace, her artworks exude a sense of optimism. The recurring motif of the pomegranate graces her canvases, symbolizing transformation and serving as a divine fruit that unites the East and the West. For Petra, the pomegranate represents love, beauty, health, and wealth—an enduring emblem of her artistic vision.
Moreover, she has embarked on using augmented reality to merge videos with physical art, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Exploring mirrored stainless steel sheets as a medium showcases her unwavering commitment to innovation and her relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.
Petra’s art resonates with viewers on a profound level, as her creations serve as a visual gateway to transformation and self-discovery. Through her unique fusion of art, technology, and symbolism, she invites audiences to explore the interconnectedness of the human experience and the limitless possibilities of the world around us.
With an illustrious career marked by innovation and artistic exploration, Petra Kaltenbach continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art. Her visionary approach, infused with themes of transformation and optimism, leaves an indelible mark on the art world. As she fearlessly forges ahead on her artistic journey, she inspires both fellow artists and art enthusiasts alike to embrace the limitless possibilities of artistic expression in the digital age.
