Arnulf Rainer, an Austrian artist, is renowned for pioneering the Art Informel movement, which introduced a lyrical and intuitive form of expression to abstract art. His early work was heavily influenced by Surrealism, and his fascination with dreams and the subconscious adds a mystical quality to his pieces. Rainer first experimented with Overpaintings in 1952, layering brushstrokes over existing artworks or photographs. Continued exploration of this process has been a recurring theme throughout his career. By working in dialogue with the underlying source material, which remains partially visible, the overpaintings play with the concept of creation and destruction, serving as a paradoxical homage to the original.
Rainer’s method involves drawing and painting over his own canvases and, starting in 1953, those of other artists. This results in densely textured abstract works, achieved through a slow and deliberate build-up of brushstrokes. The process itself holds great significance for the artist, resembling a visual embodiment of spiritual consciousness. In his own words: “The act of creation is perhaps more vital than the finished painting; for the gradual participation in the obscuration or immersion of the painting, its gradual return to peace and invisibility […]” can be compared to the contemplative experience of religious life.” This contemplative experience is also imparted onto the viewer, who is left to ponder the enigmatic mystery of what lies beneath.
www.ftn-books.com has many Rainer titles available. here are a few
