Vienna – a city rich in art and culture – was ruled by the Habsburg Empire for decades, the family who famously collected numerous works by great artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Tizian, Rubens, Bruegel and Arcimboldo, and so kick started the cities rise to become the leading capital in the world when it comes to the number of museums. The most famous names attached to the cities more recent art history are Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka, all prominently displayed throughout the city and its tourist attractions. In strong contrast to the culturally rich city history is the rise and dominance of interesting contemporary artists and the lively art scene. One of these artists is Reinhard Hochmair, an abstract painter who mainly works on paper – attracting my interest in the first place.
Hochmair works exclusively on kraft paper in various sizes, with no direct theme or correlation to current sociological or political themes, but for the simple enjoyment of expression. To feel strong and free, as he puts it. The work ranges from smaller drawing to massive wall-sized paintings he creates in his beautiful loft studio in Vienna. His signature abstract style in harmonious yet high-contrast color schemes pulls the viewer close to study and discover patterns, textures and layers, like the emotions and uncontrollable feelings we all go through. The more calculated, standardized and controlled our lives become, the more important is emotional, spontaneous art – Reinhard Hochmair.
Images © Reinhard Hochmair & Design&Paper