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Sonja Schenkel

On Mind and Matter.

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Kat - Space for Creative Enthusiasm

KAT – Space for Creative Enthusiasm
The Abbreviation KAT stands for the German words “Kreativität als Triebkraft” (KAT) – Creativity as a driving force. 

Creativity is celebrated and explored. Yet we rarely ask ourselves whether we have ever truly discovered our own creative voice—either as children or as adults. KAT is a space to explore this voice and was founded by Sonja Schenkel in 2017. For some time, we had regular sessions in the painting game in Zurich. Meanwhile, we offer a series of methods in a more flexible manner.

Engaging with one’s creative voice helps foster greater confidence and ease in other areas of life, such as in teams or at school. It is a central element of innovative thinking and enthusiasm.

KAT – Space for Creative Enthusiasm

Our goal with KAT is to strengthen the innovative capacity and ability for new ways of thinking in our society—within a framework of pleasure, joy, and physical activity.

The Painting Game

The Painting Game was invented in 1945 by Arno Stern in Paris. At that time, he began to explore this free yet gently guided form of painting together with refugee children. The Painting Game is not about wild splashing of paint; it is a mindful activity in which the painter can devote themselves entirely to their brushstrokes and inner enthusiasm. It is intended just as much for adults as for children, who are invited to leave their traces within a protected space called the Clos-lieu or Malort.

Why the Painting Game?

In the Painting Game, needs and enthusiasm can come to life. There are only a few clear rules; otherwise, painters are free to develop their images endlessly. A painting can be expanded over years and across meters of paper.

The Painting Game is not messy or wild—it is structured and free at the same time. However, one never paints for an audience, but only for oneself. Paintings created in the Painting Game never leave the studio. They are not photographed, commented on, or analyzed. The paintings remain a secret.