HOW MODEL AND ARTIST LARISSA HOFMANN IS MELTING HER PASSIONS
“Roni Horn is amazing. Also, I love Robert Longo, Imogen Cunningham, Christian Schad. Lee Miller is inspiring, oh, also Anne Schwarzenbach and Katherine Mansfield.” Artists and art, have always served as passion points for Larissa Hofmann.
Born in Bavaria, Hofmann’s career moved from model to artist, however she felt a compulsion for creation way before her first modelling stint. Today, Hofmann uses her work as an opportunity to explore fragments of life, not in their most beautiful form but always in their purest. In her photographs, in her spilled coffee sketches, and wire constructs, she con- tinues to pick apart everyday realities and give them a transformative quality.
It was whilst studying Art in Nuremberg and Berlin that her modelling career took trajectory, quickly bringing her to Paris, where she walked for Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier in 2014, before securing jobs at Oscar de la Renta and Armani. Her distinct look and smart outlook continues to fascinate brands (and Instagram followers) alike. “I love being a woman, but I wouldn’t describe myself as feminine. Sometimes I am also very masculine. Gender roles should not exist. Listen to yourself and follow your instinct, that’s what really matters.” It was instinct that encouraged Hofmann to move from behind the camera, and instead form her own visualisations. Today, Hofmann commutes between New York, Berlin and London, hopping from art show, studio to runway. Nothing can slow her down.
“When I see something I have created I’m proud. And sometimes you know that you could have done better or different… It’s about constantly moving forward and evolving. Reflecting. But never create and reflect at the same time. That only slows you down. There’s no rule for creativity. You can’t plan it. If you live by this, it’s much easier. Trust yourself that all will all be fine.”
With the series Women Who Create, Material Magazine is looking to highlight women from a variety of professions and passions that use their unique talents to carve out a space for themselves and their art in our cultural landscape.
Taken from Material Magazine No 33 – get your issue here.