My First Solo Exhibition: Reflections from the 2019 Quinquennial Report

An Unexpected Opportunity

I first met Harry while working at my former job. At the time, I worked as a civil engineer, managing industrial construction projects. Harry and I made a great team, and I learned a lot from him about what it takes to approach new challenges with commitment and enthusiasm. He taught me to see obstacles not as setbacks but as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve—not just as a professional but sometimes as a person, too.

Fast forward to now, Harry brings that same energy and passion to his own business, Danzapatos, a charming dance shoe shop in the heart of Landshut, Germany, which he runs with his wife, Daniela. When I visited them late last year with a mutual friend, Harry shared the exciting news that Danzapatos would be expanding into the neighboring space by September 2019. During our chat about work and life (yes, I still go to him for advice, even years later), we also talked about our shared love of Argentine tango and my creative side projects. That’s when Harry had an idea—a bold one.

“Why don’t we use the new space for an art exhibition before the store opens?” he suggested. I hesitated for a moment. My drawings and Photoshop collages had always been a personal escape, something I sold online here and there. A solo exhibition? That felt big. Bigger than I was ready for. But something about the way Harry believed in the idea made me say yes.

The Story Behind My First Solo Exhibition

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to draw. Over the past few years, I’ve explored how to turn my drawings into collages and patterns using Photoshop. Earlier this year, I even started selling my designs online as art prints and on various products. But I had never thought of showing my work in a physical space.

This exhibition at Danzapatos is a snapshot of my creative journey over the past five years. It’s about how my work has evolved, how experimenting with digital tools has opened up new possibilities, and how creativity can thrive when we allow ourselves to try new things—even when the timing doesn’t feel “perfect.”

Over three weekends, starting on May 17th, 2019, I’ll be at Spiegelgasse 201 in 84028 Landshut, welcoming visitors to explore my artwork. I’ll be there every Friday (4pm to 7pm) and Saturday (10am to 6pm), ready to chat about what inspires me, how my profession as a civil engineer intersects with my art, and the stories behind my pieces. There won’t be a traditional vernissage, but I’ll be present throughout the exhibition to connect with anyone who comes by.

The Lesson: Take the Leap

What this experience has taught me is simple yet powerful: sometimes all we need is to grab the chance that’s offered to us and see where it leads. We don’t have to wait for the perfect gallery or an ideal portfolio. We don’t need to listen to the voices that say it won’t work if we feel in our gut that it will.

This solo show might not have happened if I’d waited for the “right” time or doubted Harry's idea. But by saying yes, I’ve created something that feels meaningful, and I’ve given myself the chance to share my passion with others.

And who knows? This might just be the start of more creative projects in the future.

If you’re in Landshut, I’d love for you to stop by and see what I’ve been working on in these last five years. Let’s talk art, inspiration, and those unexpected moments that can spark something amazing. Sometimes all it takes is one bold step to surprise yourself.