ARTIST
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Art is a spiritual force that links us to both our inner selves and the world beyond. It transcends limits and acts as a medium for the complex narratives of life. Through creativity, we set out on a journey of self-discovery, revealing the true purpose of our earthly existence and confronting our own vanity. Art, a universal language free from limitations, reflects our spirituality and brings humanity together. It connects the material and spiritual worlds, resonating deeply with our fundamental essence.”
EARTHLY BAROQUE — Madeleine ImKey’s Practice of Sustainable Painting
Earthly Baroque is the name Madeleine ImKey gives to a style and process she developed over more than a decade — combining the layered emotional force of the Baroque with a radical ecological approach to materials and meaning.
Rather than painting with oils on industrial canvas, ImKey works with salvaged or biodegradable supports: raw linen, handmade papers, old wood, reused textiles. Her pigments are mineral- or plant-based, often prepared by hand. Bark, ash, gold leaf, dried roots, thread, and found objects are embedded into the work — not ornamentally, but as active carriers of memory, tension, and healing.
This is not conceptual sustainability — it is material integrity. Every artwork is made with the intention of causing no new harm. And yet, her paintings are not didactic. They are deeply sensual, quiet, and emotionally charged. They evoke cycles of growth, erosion, trauma, and repair.
Earthly Baroque speaks to a post-crisis world. It rejects the false binary between beauty and ethics. It is grounded in process, humility, and the belief that art should endure — not through spectacle, but through care and truth in matter.
SPIRITUALITY & ARTS
In Terrestrial Baroque, Madeleine taps into a rich tradition where art and spirituality converge. Drawing inspiration from her studies with the Benedictine Monastery of Engelberg, she has immersed herself in the profound symbiosis of art and religion. Historically, art movements like Baroque and Renaissance used religious iconography to convey deep messages, with artists acting as both creators and interpreters of spiritual and societal themes.
Madeleine builds upon this legacy, incorporating intuitive techniques that blend the earthly with the spiritual. Her work is not just a representation of spiritual themes but a fundamental exploration of the intersection between material existence and spiritual essence. By merging these historical practices with contemporary perspectives, her art encourages personal reflection and collective consciousness. Each piece invites viewers to contemplate their own spiritual journeys, fostering a deeper understanding of the balance between the material and spiritual realms.
BALANCING LIFE & SPIRITUALITY
Madeleine’s art explores the nuanced interplay between material enjoyment and spiritual growth, a balance that has been a focal point in various spiritual traditions. In Hinduism, the concept of Dharma calls for living in alignment with the cosmic order, ensuring that one’s actions contribute to a greater harmony in the universe. Similarly, Buddhist teachings on Mindfulness emphasize the importance of maintaining awareness and balance in every moment, encouraging individuals to live with intention and clarity.
Lao Tzu’s principles of Taoism shed light on this intricate balance through the concept of “Wu Wei,” which translates to “effortless action” or “non-action.” Lao Tzu advocates for aligning oneself with the natural flow of life, suggesting that true harmony is achieved by moving with, rather than against, the currents of existence. This philosophy acknowledges that life is both simple and complex, and understanding this subtle balance is key to achieving true harmony. Madeleine’s work draws inspiration from this spiritual principle of nuanced balance, reflecting universal spiritual visions that embrace both balance and complexity. Her art encourages viewers to harmonize with their surroundings and approach life with a sense of ease, recognizing that simplicity and complexity are intertwined aspects of our existence.
This balancing act is also mirrored in the concept of Yin and Yang, which symbolizes the interplay of opposite forces that maintain equilibrium in the universe. The dynamic relationship between these forces highlights the necessity of embracing both material and spiritual aspects of life. In her creative process, Madeleine merges these timeless philosophies with her artistic vision, emphasizing the ongoing balancing act between indulging in material experiences and nurturing our inner spiritual selves. Her pieces invite reflection on this duality, offering a visual representation of the dynamic interplay between our physical and spiritual realms. By integrating these ancient spiritual wisdoms into her art, Madeleine develops a deeper understanding of how to navigate life’s complexities. Her work serves as a reminder that while our physical existence may be fleeting, our spiritual journey is continuous, and achieving equilibrium between these aspects of our lives is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. Through her art, Madeleine guides us toward embracing this balance, enriching our lives with both material pleasure and spiritual insight.
"If self-love were a road, I wouldn’t make it a permanent construction. I would rather build a bridge towards my heart".
- Madeleine ImKey -
ART VIRTUAL GALLERY

"Let’s have just enough Madness to create amazing
Things and just enough Boldness to pull it off".
- Madeleine ImKey –




◉ 50% of the value of each painting is donated to the Bridging Nations Foundation.