It seems life in Albury inspires artistic productivity.
Since Holger Christen moved to Murray Gardens Retirement Village last year, he’s featured 20 paintings in one exhibition and is planning more than 40 for his next.
Holger has many talents. He ran a construction company in his homeland of Germany before moving to the Gold Coast and Brisbane to run furniture, jewellery and art businesses.
Upon retirement, Hobart became his home.
Painting has always been close to his heart. At Murray Gardens—where he and his partner, Christina, moved to be closer to family—Holger has the time he needs. He’s also part of a vibrant artistic community as a volunteer at the Murray Art Museum Albany (MAMA).
“I can’t understand people who retire without a hobby,” he said. “This is a great way to live.”
Relocation has meant a change of studio, weather permitting, to a shed he placed at the back of his Murray Gardens home.
“In this hot climate, I’m limited with painting,” he said. “I can paint really only in the kitchen and sometimes I get in trouble with my partner because paint is everywhere.”
In the past, Holger has explored sculpting and photo imaging as art forms and now, with acrylics, famous faces continue to inspire.
“I’m really into faces,” he said. “You can paint the same face 10 times and it looks different every time with different colours.”
