image credit Greg Weight

Artist Statement

Kathrin Longhurst is a fearless storyteller and an uncompromising voice in contemporary art. Born during the Cold War in East Berlin, her early years were shaped by the rigid ideals of a totalitarian regime. At 15, she escaped to the West, a seismic shift that ignited her passion for freedom, self-expression, and the reclamation of identity.

Through her art, Longhurst dismantles patriarchal power structures and challenges societal norms, fusing classical realism with historical ephemera to create work that is both timeless and strikingly modern. Her predominantly female subjects exude strength and vulnerability in equal measure, confronting the viewer with their unflinching gaze. They are statuesque yet layered with emotional depth, embodying resilience and breaking free from imposed ideals of femininity.

Longhurst’s work draws heavily from vintage propaganda, reframing these historically male-dominated visual languages into bold feminist statements. Her large-scale paintings celebrate autonomy and defiance, a reminder of the power in rewriting one’s narrative. Her advocacy also extends beyond the canvas – as a feminist and activist, she is deeply committed to supporting displaced peoples and refugees, with a focus on amplifying women’s stories of resilience and strength.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Longhurst’s work has captivated audiences worldwide. Whether in paint or practice, she invites us to confront inherited ideologies and reimagine a world defined by equality, strength, and individuality.