Gunther Kleinert

German

Gunther Kleinert is a Hamburg-based artist and designer whose work merges analog craftsmanship with cutting-edge generative techniques. Since 2017, he has explored the possibilities of translating sound and environmental data into visual form, combining vintage drawing machines with digital algorithms to create complex, tactile artworks.

Gunther Kleinert. Photo courtesy the artist.

Full Bio

Gunther Kleinert is a Hamburg-based artist and designer who bridges product design, spatial concepts, technology, and visual art. After studying fine furniture and cabinet making in Devon, England, he returned to Hamburg to earn a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Fine Arts in 2008. With over a decade of interdisciplinary experience in product and interior design, Gunther’s background from a multi-faceted art university shaped his diverse and conceptual approach to creative work.

Since 2017, Gunther has been a pioneer in generative art, using algorithms and code to translate sound, language, and environmental data into intricate visual compositions. His unique process combines the digital precision of code with the organic unpredictability of a vintage 1980s drawing machine, blending technology with tactile analog textures. Central themes in his work revolve around structure, rhythm, and the challenge of making intangible elements visible.

His notable series, I Can See Music, transforms musical compositions into abstract visual scores, revealing hidden patterns beneath the surface. In The Sound of, he captures the acoustic identity of places through a fusion of field recordings, photography, and generative drawing. More recently, Gunther has expanded into augmented reality and 3D, creating immersive experiences that push the boundaries of perception and sensory engagement.

His collaborations include translating geometric music data by Emmy Award-winning composer Benjamin Wynn (Deru) into pen-on-paper artworks, and a dynamic exchange with German loop jazz duo Olicía, where visuals and music influence each other in real time. Gunther’s work spans diverse media—from drawing and screen printing to spray paint, plaster, and photography—always evolving and exploring the space between digital and analog, applied design and free art.

As senior designer and art director at the award-winning Studio Labs in Hamburg, Gunther Kleinert leads projects that combine creativity with practical design solutions. His work spans product and furniture design, interior architecture, and brand development for lifestyle and hospitality sectors. From designing distinctive furniture pieces to shaping cohesive brand environments, Gunther’s approach integrates aesthetics and function. His interdisciplinary background allows him to craft thoughtful, innovative experiences that reflect both artistic vision and real-world needs.