New Exhibition Highlights Martin Schnur's Extensive Career
A significant art exhibition featuring the works of renowned Austrian painter Martin Schnur has commenced at the Bechter Kastowsky Galerie in Schaan, Liechtenstein. Titled 'Überblick' (Overview), the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Schnur's artistic journey over the past 21 years, presenting a diverse collection of his paintings from various phases of his career. The exhibition officially opened on Saturday, September 20, 2025, and will welcome visitors until November 8, 2025.
Thematic Depth and Artistic Evolution
The 'Überblick' exhibition delves into the core themes that define Martin Schnur's oeuvre, particularly his focus on landscapes and reflections. Schnur is widely recognized for his distinctive 'picture-in-picture motif,' a technique involving the superimposition of different sequences and realities within a single pictorial field. Visitors will observe the evolution of his style, from earlier landscape paintings dating back to 2003, characterized by brisk, horizontal brushstrokes, to more recent works that incorporate pointed traces of color, reminiscent of Cézanne. The exhibition highlights how Schnur masterfully treats color, light, and brushwork, whether depicting solitary figures or expansive landscapes.
About the Artist: Martin Schnur
Born in Vorau, Styria, in 1964, Martin Schnur is celebrated as one of Austria's most prominent figurative painters. His formal artistic education began at the Kunstgewerbeschule Graz from 1982 to 1985, followed by a master class in sculpture under Joannis Avramidis at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna from 1985 to 1990. A pivotal moment in his career was assisting with a Sol LeWitt exhibition in the Vienna Secession in 1988, which inspired his transition to painting. Schnur's works are held in prestigious collections, including the Albertina and the Belvedere in Vienna, the Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz, and the Museum der Moderne in Salzburg.
Schnur's Distinctive Vision
Schnur's painting style is characterized by its enigmatic quality, inviting viewers to engage in personal interpretation. He often incorporates mirrors and reflective surfaces into his works, creating a dialogue between external and internal spaces, and blurring the lines between reality and dream. His compositions frequently feature figures, often with their backs turned or in peculiar poses, placed within fragmented landscapes, urban interiors, or fantastical settings. This approach allows him to generate new realities through autonomous color fields and intricate light spaces, making his art a profound exploration of perception and the human condition.
5 Comments
Kyle Broflovski
The article highlights the depth of Schnur's thematic explorations, which is compelling. However, the description of his 'enigmatic' style could deter those who prefer art with a more straightforward narrative or immediate emotional impact.
Stan Marsh
While Schnur's technical skill and historical significance are clear, his focus on traditional painting might not resonate with audiences looking for more experimental or digital art forms. It's a solid retrospective, though.
Eric Cartman
His works being in prestigious collections certainly validates his artistic standing. However, the abstract nature of 'generating new realities' through autonomous color fields may require more background knowledge for the average viewer to fully appreciate.
Raphael
His unique 'picture-in-picture' approach is simply genius. A true master of reflection!
Coccinella
Assisting Sol LeWitt does not make you a visionary. Overhyped, in my opinion.