30 years of light and colour - Dental Clinic at Witten/Herdecke University exhibits works by artist Beate Braun

It is already a tradition that art by regional artists is shown in the rooms of the Dental Clinic at Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H). With the exhibition "Light to Breathe", artist Beate Braun is celebrating her 30 years of work in Witten and the surrounding area - a journey through light, colour and the quiet, deep tones of life. Visitors can view the works until 12 June 2025 at the dental clinic in the ZBZ Witten, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 45.

When Beate Braun came to Witten, she had no idea that fine art would become the great passion of her life. But the desire was there early on: for her, art should be more than just an expression of herself: "I wanted my art to uplift people, brighten their souls and give them hope," she says. Colours that touch, pictures that breathe - that is her aspiration. "For me, a good painting is like a good wine: it matures, it lasts." In the exhibition "Light to Breathe", this artistic stance is condensed. The title says it all: light is at the centre of all her works - as a symbol of hope, vitality and connection. Her paintings invite viewers to become still, take a deep breath and immerse themselves in a world in which light and darkness, colour and emotion are in constant dialogue.

Art as a statement in favour of more visibility and diversity

A central theme of Beate Braun's work is also the role of women in society and art. Her more recent works feature powerful female figures, often accompanied by flowers, animals and symbols. They symbolise a female elemental force, beauty, sensitivity and strength. Her works are therefore also a statement - in favour of more visibility, diversity and depth in the art world. And finally, there is the breath: a quiet and yet central aspect of her work. "It often gets lost in our noisy world. But if you breathe, you listen - to life, to others, to yourself." She hopes that her pictures can remind us of this. They should breathe, still, connect - and perhaps even heal.

The Medical Director of the University Dental Clinic, Prof Dr Stefan Zimmer, sees a double benefit in the art exhibition: "On the one hand, we can offer regional artists a space to present their works in our dental clinic. At the same time, Ms Braun's works have a positive effect on our patients. They radiate calm and confidence and are therefore a good preparation for dental treatment."