Ludwig Mannhalter

Fluctuating between the representational and the abstract, I paint landscapes by reducing complex forms to square and rectangular shapes of varying dimensions. Working exclusively with a palette knife, I apply heavy pastose layers of oil and acrylic paint, creating a rough surface interrupted by occasional scratches and craquelure. I achieve tension and dynamism in my work, by constructing overlapped or adjacent blocks of densely saturated color. As I paint, I let myself be guided by my impulses, without following any pre-established patterns. I draw inspiration from the spontaneity of Art Informel and the raw simplicity of Matterism, letting myself be guided solely by my impulses, without following any pre-established patterns.