Arnulf Rainer
Rainer is an Austrian painter/photographer. Somehow, knowing that he is Austrian helps me make sense of his work. In general, Austrians are a traditional, polite and formal bunch. They are a proud, cultured people and have a great symphonic tradition. For me, Rainer's work is a kind of emotional rebellion from tradition and perhaps his own temperament (or maybe his family's temperament?). Like skinheads crashing a society party. It's somewhat juvenile yet liberating, mocking yet idolizing.
I like the idea of drawing/ painting on photos. It kind of has the feeling of breaking an unwritten rule, or debasing a psychological authoritative mindset. Breaking rules can be devilishly fun, boyishly destructive, and in Rainer's case, passionately creative.
Hey! Two really beautiful works!
ReplyDeleteIf you don't know about this movement - its worth looking into if you're into Rainer's work. The Viennese Actionists - similar reactions in that work - though its much darker.
thanks!