Brief Biography | Artistic Background

Gudrun Dorsch (*1961, Munich, Germany) is a contemporary German artist whose work centers on the movements of the human body as an expressive, non-verbal language. Encouraged by her mother from an early age, she began translating imaginative ideas into visual form during childhood.

From 1973 onward, she received her first professional commissions, including book illustrations, portrait drawings, oil paintings, and costume designs. Early artistic influences include Charlotte Flemming as well as Hieronymus Bosch, Salvador Dalí, and H. R. Giger – artists whose symbolic visual languages left a lasting impression on her own imagery.

In 1979, Dorsch began her formal training at the BLOCHERER SCHOOL in Munich. She completed three semesters of life drawing and fine art painting studies (AKTZEICHNEN & MALEREI), laying the foundation for her enduring fascination with the human figure and its expressive potential. She subsequently studied graphic design, gaining a strong understanding of visual communication. After graduating as a graphic designer, she worked in employed positions while continuing her freelance practice for publishers, companies, and institutions. One of her most notable works from this period is the logo and corporate identity developed for the KONGREGATION DER ST. FRANZISKUSSCHWESTERN, VIERZEHNHEILIGEN (Archdiocese of Bamberg), which remains in use to this day.

The study of the human body has remained a constant focus throughout her artistic career. Dorsch became particularly interested in movement patterns and body language, dedicating herself to the exploration of this silent yet powerful form of communication.

In 2012, her first “Wrapped Figures” (Wickelfiguren) emerged through an intuitive and organic process. From 2014 onward, she increasingly participated in international solo and group exhibitions as well as major art fairs.

Over the years, Dorsch developed a distinctive artistic language. Her figures became progressively reduced to their essence: the literal body receded, while previously “wrapped” forms transformed into weightless, ribbon-like structures – sensual, emotional presences rather than physical bodies. Although she has worked with a wide range of materials, acrylic paint became her preferred medium. Her works have been published in numerous art books and featured in international media.

In 2022, Gudrun Dorsch opened her own gallery in her hometown of Bruckmühl.

In 2025, her works were officially listed in the international art databases ARTNET and ARTPRICE.

With her Wrapped Figures, Gudrun Dorsch has established a highly recognizable and unmistakable artistic signature.