rebekka macht (b. 1989)based in berlin, germany is a visual artist primarily working with large-scale portrait paintings. her work explores issues surrounding gender and human connection – to the self, to others, and to society at large. macht's portraits create an emotional bridge between subject and viewer, serving as an entry point for audiences to engage with complex underlying themes. macht's art invites viewers into ambiguous spaces, exploring dichotomies such as suffering and growth, pain and pleasure, strength and vulnerability, secular and etheric, societal constructs and breaking free. she is particularly interested in how individual experiences and societal norms shape our psyche, and in finding ways to transcend these influences. her current body of work focuses on alternative narratives of masculinity and (single) motherhood, topics that are deeply interconnected for macht as a mother of boys. through her art, she challenges conventional perspectives and encourages viewers to consider new ways of understanding these roles and relationships. macht's paintings offer a unique blend of emotional depth and social commentary, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives within the context of broader societal issues. her work continues to evolve, pushing boundaries and exploring the complexities of human experience through the powerful medium of portraiture.

during her time at the residency, rebekka leaned into her artistic drive, embracing ambition and pushing boundaries in her creative work. she utilized the spacious and well-lit studio at dot.ateliers to experiment with new techniques and themes. macht's residency experience allowed her to delve deeper into her exploration of complex identities and relationships. she continued to use personal photographs, particularly of her children, as reference points, but expanded her focus to include more nuanced depictions of physical and emotional connections. the residency provided macht with an opportunity to reflect on and visually articulate the complexities of single motherhood, including the simultaneous feelings of closeness and distance. she incorporated these themes into her work, creating layered pieces that capture the multifaceted nature of her experiences. during this period, macht also developed a particular interest in depicting hands, finding them to be powerful conveyors of emotion and character. this focus was inspired by her experience as she photographed sitters during the residency, where she observed how hands could express a person's state of mind more effectively than their face. the residency allowed macht to further refine her technique of layering, using it to reject simplistic categorizations and explore the depth of individual identities. she continued to address the unique challenges she faces using her art to navigate and express these complex dynamics. overall, macht's time at the residency served to deepen her artistic practice, resulting in a body of work that is rich in personal narrative, social commentary, and technical innovation. it reinforced her commitment to creating art that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, reflecting on themes of identity, motherhood, and human connection.