IMAGINE – A Project in Progress

As both artist and philosopher, I am honored to present IMAGINE – an ambitious project dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary impact of inspiring women in our society.

At the heart of this endeavor is a series of twelve life-size portraits, each devoted to a remarkable woman whose contributions have left a lasting mark on our world.

The idea for this project was sparked through in-depth conversations with Prof Dr. Bernhard Maaz, Director General of the Bavarian State Painting Collections till 2025. We recognized a striking imbalance: while history has long depicted women as muses, regents, or symbols, contemporary portraits of exceptional women are still largely absent from the world’s leading museums. IMAGINE seeks to redress this imbalance by creating a visible legacy for today’s women whose achievements shape our collective future.

What makes this project unique is its dialogue between tradition and innovation. Alongside the full-size portraits, each woman will also be represented by a genotype – captured through a hair sample – as a tangible trace of her individuality. This concept bridges the centuries-old tradition of portrait painting with a forward-looking exploration of art and science.

IMAGINE thus unfolds on two levels: it celebrates through painting, while also highlighting the profound interplay between creativity, identity, and scientific knowledge. By merging artistic vision with genotyping, the project underscores both the individuality and the enduring influence of these women.

Verena Pausder
Unternehmerin, Bestseller-Autorin, Co-Founder
Oil on canvas, 200x140cm 2020/2023

Ms M.K. oil on canvas, 200x140cm, 2018 — M.K. oil on canvas, 200x140cm, 2018

Nicole Brandes, Bestseller Autorin Self Empowerment und Leadership Coach Oil on canvas, 200x140cm, 2019-2021 — Nicole Brandes
Bestseller Autorin
Self Empowerment und Leadership Coach
Oil on canvas, 200x140cm, 2019-2021

Bea Knecht Informatikerin, Unternehmerin und Gründerin von Zattoo oil on canvas, 200x140cm, 2018/19 — Bea Knecht
Informatikerin, Unternehmerin und Gründerin von Zattoo
Oil on canvas, 200x140cm, 2018/19

COMMISIONED PORTRAITS

A Collectors View - On the Experience of a Portrait by Christine Gallmetzer
W. Wieser - Italy

I commissioned a portrait of my husband from Christine Gallmetzer – with a certain reservation that one might naturally feel when entrusting such a personal undertaking. What emerged deeply moved me and left a lasting impression. The painting was far more than a representation: it was a subtle condensation of character, atmosphere, and an almost intangible inner presence.

I was especially fascinated by the calm and simultaneous tension the portrait radiates – as if it gently enters the room, not loudly, but with great strength.

I then recommended Christine Gallmetzer to a close friend, who independently commissioned a portrait of her late husband. She, too, was deeply touched by the dignity, depth, and vitality the work conveys. The painting became not only an emotional anchor in her collection, but an aesthetic one as well.

What Christine Gallmetzer achieves is rare: she combines painterly sensitivity with a refined sense for the essential. Her portraits carry a quiet power – they stay.