Derek Schepper & Dieter Turczer

We’re thrilled to announce a special guest for 2026: Derek Schapper from Albany, Western Australia, will be presenting his work with us this September. More: [www.derekschapperdesign.com.au](https://www.derekschapperdesign.com.au) **_Derek, let’s begin with your art. What are you currently exploring in your practice? And what pieces or ideas will you be bringing from Australia to Pappelallee?_** My primary works are timber wall art; crafting birds and fish that are mounted off-wall to create depth and shadows. These designs are informed by nature and interpreted in a mid century modern style. Most of these works will be displayed at the forthcoming exhibition. I am currently exploring 3D timber pictures. I use different thicknesses of timber then paint each piece to create a whole scene. It is similar in method to _intarsia_, but I have adapted this technique to depict land and seascapes, and architectural forms, so the result is very different. **_What draws you to wood as a material?_** As a self-taught artist, I find that working timber by hand is immensely satisfying. I’m drawn to timber for its beauty and warmth of tone and texture. Australia has a wide variety of unique timbers rarely seen in Europe, such as Jarrah, Sheoak, Banksia, Marri, Blackbutt, Cypress, Red River Gum and Tasmanian Blackwood**.** I use reclaimed and recycled timbers whenever I can. **_What inspired you to make the long journey to Berlin?_** I have been coming to Berlin regularly since the early 2000s. My wife and I have friends here. Of course, Berlin is a large cosmopolitan city with a seemingly endless variety of things to do, see and experience which makes it a fascinating destination for us. **_How did you first discover erstererster?_** I became aware of _erstererster_ through my friend Dieter Turczer, with whom I will be exhibiting. Dieter lives in Prenzlauerberg and makes mobiles in the style of Alexander Calder. Our styles are a good fit for a joint exhibition. **_What do you hope to find or experience within the erstererster community?_** A problem that most artists have, is getting exposure for their work. Whilst I have had a number of exhibitions in Australia, the _erstererster_ exhibition is an opportunity for me to learn how a German audience responds to what I make. Derek Schepper & Dieter Turczer 16\. September bis 2. Oktober täglich 13-19 Uhr ## Impressions From the Great Southern region of Western Australia Derek Schapper’s timber wall art is a highly original expression of modernist and minimalist form. Jarrah and banksia are both highly prized timbers found only in the south west corner of Australia. River red gum occurs naturally throughout mainland Australia. #derekschapper\_design Albatross made from Western Australian jarrah _(Eucalyptus marginata)_ Flying ducks made from Banksia _(Banksia grandis)_ Wild Duck made from River red gum _(Eucalyptus camaldulensis)_ Predator birds made from River red gum _(Eucalyptus camaldulensis)_ Dieter Turczer: Kinetische Mobiles, handgefertigt aus verschiedenen Materialien wie Acrylglas und Messing #slowturnz