In keeping with nature

Long before the existence of humankind, the law of ‘eat or be eaten’ and the ceaseless struggle for survival existed in nature. It was only relatively late in the Earth’s history that humankind became part of this natural order, securing its existence by integrating itself into nature whilst simultaneously fighting against the threats posed by it. Long before it was set out in the Bible as a mandate to humankind, humans began to subdue the earth. Technological progress helped them to gradually make the Earth – a dangerous place that constantly threatened their very existence – more manageable. Yet, even with constant technological and medical advancement, humankind will only ever master the Earth to a certain extent, whilst at the same time remaining dependent on it. Today, dangers from nature and the threats posed to nature by humankind stand in opposition to one another. In order to survive, humankind must not only master nature, but also preserve it. Thus, the artist shapes enormous primeval creatures out of polyethylene, which take over the walls and rooms of the monastery.
Ulrike Donié, born in Saarbrücken, studied at the local Werkhochschule (now the Academy of Fine Art) from 1984 to 1987. She has been a freelance artist since 1991. In 2008, she was artist-in-residence in Nagoya, Japan. In recent years, she has attracted attention with her installations and holistic spatial concepts combining painting and object art. This was also the case in 2019 at the Pavillon du Centenaire in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.

Last edited on 05.08.2026