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Mercedes & Franziska Welte

Franziska and Mercedes Welte are contemporary artists whose collaborative practice has evolved over more than two decades. Active in art since childhood, they developed an early sensitivity to color, form, and music that continues to shape their work today.

In the early stages of their artistic careers, the sisters initially pursued independent paths. Franziska focused on sculptural form and the expressive potential of the human body, while Mercedes explored color as a phenomenological force, examining its spatial, emotional, and material effects. These differing approaches ultimately led to the development of a shared artistic language.

Through continuous work, technical precision, and an intensive dialogue with nature and lived experience, the artists have developed a multifaceted oeuvre. They are regarded as specialists in working with materials such as carbon, fiberglass, canvas, and pigments, and work across sculpture, object, and painting.

Within their collaboration, Franziska is responsible for the intuitive formation of sculptural structures, while Mercedes gives the works their distinctive aesthetic character through nuanced color and surface treatment. Their close artistic partnership is reflected in an extensive international exhibition history, including presentations at Art Basel Miami, the Venice Biennale, and the Museum Stift Klosterneuburg.

These milestones have established Franziska and Mercedes Welte as a recognized presence within the international contemporary art scene. They are currently working on new projects and preparing upcoming exhibitions.

The artists work at the historic Ansitz Wellenstein on Lake Constance, where their studio provides space for focused artistic research and production.

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