Be / STILL

„Be Still“ is an Exhibition by us, Heba Makhlouf and Matthias Weiss.
It invites viewers into an intimate exploration of memory, emotion, and the act of looking closer. Through our works, the exhibition contemplates how stillness allows us to uncover layers of meaning in the everyday, connecting the past to the present and the personal to the universal.

Heba Makhlouf

My work is informed by perception and memories to explore themes of childhood, motherhood and identity. Using objects from a previous time to symbolize both the absence and the presence of their mark. I use these objects as a point of entry to question how we are conditioned by the narratives surrounding us and to question what happens to things as they become obsolete. The objects become subjects of introspection. I invite you to pause and revisit these subjects, examining the complexity hidden in what might first appear simple.

Matthias Weiss

In my paintings, I explore how atmosphere and emotion can be captured through light, composition, painting style and color. The focus is predominantly on humans in various situations, aiming to create a moment that feels familiar. I’m striving to leave things open enough to let the observer fill in the gaps with their experiences. I want my work to resonate with viewers, to spark a sense of connection or recognition. Light plays an important role – guiding the eye, revealing certain elements while deliberately leaving others hidden or uncertain. Many of my paintings start from film stills, using them as a base for further exploration and reflection.