The Museum St. Peter an der Sperr in Wiener Neustadt is currently showcasing a comprehensive exhibition titled "Painter's Life in Red," featuring works by renowned Austrian artist Markus Prachensky. The exhibition highlights the career of one of Austria's most significant representatives of the Informel movement, an abstract, non-geometric art style that gained prominence in the mid-20th century.
Prachensky (1932-2011) was an Austrian painter and graphic artist who became synonymous with the Informel movement. The exhibition spans his entire artistic career, displaying early works from the 1950s through to his final series created before his death. Born in Innsbruck, Prachensky developed a distinctive style that would influence Austrian contemporary art for decades. The exhibition is curated by Barbara Steininger-Wetzlmair and Florian Steininger, who have carefully selected pieces that demonstrate the artist's evolution over time.
The artworks on display come from the private collections of Werner Trenker and Brigitte Prachensky, who sought to make these significant pieces accessible to the public. According to the organizers, the goal is to provide low-barrier access to Prachensky's art, allowing more people to experience and appreciate his contributions to Austrian culture. This collaboration between private collectors and the museum demonstrates the ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing important cultural heritage.
Prachensky's artistic journey shows a clear evolution from structured, geometric compositions to increasingly abstract expressions. His early works, such as "Composition Red on Gray," appear more geometric and structured in their approach. However, as his career progressed, his style became more abstract and expressive, culminating in his most famous work, "Red on White." Despite this stylistic evolution, one element remained constant throughout his career: the prominent use of red color, which became his artistic signature.
The color red held special significance for Prachensky, who once described it as "the color of his life." Art collector Werner Trenker explains the artist's relationship with this vibrant hue: "The color fascinated him, and the color lived from this power and energy that it reflects." This passionate connection to red became a defining characteristic of Prachensky's work, setting him apart from his contemporaries in the abstract expressionist movement.
Prachensky drew inspiration from two primary sources: his extensive travels and music. According to Trenker, "Markus Prachensky managed to reflect the landscapes he observed throughout the year in his works. But it wasn't copying – these were independent works that he created, inspired by landscapes and also by the music he listened to while painting." This synthesis of visual and auditory experiences created a unique artistic language that resonated with viewers and critics alike.
The current exhibition features approximately 70 of Prachensky's works, displayed across two distinct exhibition spaces within the museum. The special exhibition room presents a chronological overview of his career, showing works from his early period through his late works. Meanwhile, the museum's Gothic church provides a dramatic setting for what museum director Julia Schlager describes as a focus on "the red fireworks" – presumably his most vibrant and energetic red compositions.
Museum director Julia Schlager notes the unique atmosphere created by displaying contemporary art in the historic church setting: "The beautiful thing here in the church is that the paintings harmonize well with the space, and the curators have very skillfully brought out this contrast between modern painting and old church walls." This juxtaposition creates a dialogue between contemporary artistic expression and centuries-old architectural tradition, enhancing the viewing experience for visitors.
The "Painter's Life in Red" exhibition will remain open to the public until November 2, providing art enthusiasts and the general public with an extended opportunity to experience Prachensky's artistic legacy. The exhibition not only showcases individual masterpieces but also traces the artistic development of one of Austria's most important 20th-century artists, offering insights into the broader context of European abstract art and the Informel movement's influence on contemporary artistic expression.
