Arts & Living
Franz Brandner's Exhibition Runs March 4-10
Austrian Impressionist Loves to Depict Korean Nature
Special Contribution
By Abhishek Joshi
People will have a rare glimpse of “modern” Impressionistic painting on Korean and European scenery, depicted by a mid-career Austrian artist who is fascinated by warm heart of Korean people and spicy taste of kimchi zzigae (stew). A total of 25 oil paintings of Korean and European nature will be exhibited at Gwang Art Gallery, Gwanghwamun Subway Station (B1), Seoul from March 4 (Wed) to March 10 (Tue) 2009.
He prefers to paint in the outdoors in the midst of the nature depicting Korean landscapes and his most famous piece of art has been on “Acha-Mountain.” Apart from Korean nature he has been capturing the scenic splendor of Italy and Austria. His paintings amalgamate buildings and nature into one. Various shades of green, blue and purple colors contrast the warm tones, a technique which Impressionists used to capture the fleeting moment of an instant.
“Korean landscape is quite different from Europe,” said Brandner. This exhibition shows the beauty of “Acha-Mountain” in different seasons of the year. “Sceneries in Korea are natural and less artificial than in Europe.
The Korean landscapes in country side have not been altered by men, whereas nature back in Austria is influenced more by humans” explains the modern-day impressionist. The famed artist tries to draw a connection between the beautiful combinations of Korea’s spring flowers and the orthodox Impressionistic masterpieces including those of Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, and Camille Pissarro.
Artist's Statement
“Modern Art does not renounce previous creative traditions. Art that can endure should be connected and developed based on the past.”
“Creative work is a way of retreating, cutting oneself off from disturbing influences, which prevent one from understanding the self.”
“What I find important is the intensive relationship with nature and all its life energy and character, not particularly the theoretical dimension. That is why the exact study of nature and its manifestation is the most essential part of my creative art.”
“Life has value and meaning, and my desire is to give that message through my work.”
Who Is Franz Brandner?
Franz Brandner was born in Austria in 1962. Ever since his childhood nature has been the constant sources of inspiration and strength that shaped his life and philosophy on arts.
Brandner attended the Art College in Steyr, Austria. He studied the traditional techniques of the masterpieces in various museums around the world. When he was 20 years old he joined the art studio of Wolfgang Schuler, a famous portrait painter.
His friendship with a renowned landscapes painter Guenter Frohmann, who gave him the opportunity to study painting not only from academic perspective but also from life experiences, became the foundation for his painting career. Since 1989 Brandner has been holding some 50 exhibitions in Austria, Korea, US, Germany, and France.
Presently, Franz Brandner lives in Seoul and his paintings receive great admiration by collectors and art lovers around the globe.
“He gained great recognition with his paintings in Korea as well as in Europe. His art is an important contribution for the cultural cooperation and exchange between Austria and Korea.”
H.E. Wilhelm Donko (Ambassador of the republic of Austria to Korea)
Venue: Gwanghamun Subway Station (B1), Line 5 near Exit No. 7
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