The exhibition series “NITSCH a homage by …” presents works by inspiring figures and former companions as well as by artists whose development was decisively influenced by Hermann Nitsch and his total work of art.

Parallels and overlapping aspects in their works bring to light new relationships and interconnections between the respective artistic processes. Each exhibition focuses on an individual and personal facet that will enable visitors to learn more about Nitsch’s oeuvre and appreciate its ongoing influence.

PAUL RENNER

SEEING, SMELLING & SQUEEZING

“For years I’ve been interested in painting that aims to create an intensive sensual experience. Form focuses perception on the materials represented. The mediums of the composition are food, plants, juices, and seeds, which are mixed with resin, wax, and paint. An herbarium emerges that dispenses with logic and scientific stringency as we understand it today.” – Paul Renner

Paul Renner’s idea of art demands a form of staging that goes beyond painting a picture. The act and resultant form of compressing has preoccupied Renner from the outset – pressed must, mashed cabbage, slabs of bacon squashed between stone slabs, berries boiled into mush, centrifuged honey, squashed fruits squidging out between fingers and toes, meat pounded, smoked, pressed. In Renner’s vision, this compressing and compacting involves the decomposition of our existence: “Existence is squashed, crushed, solidified, fermented, and decomposes into an invisible vapor. The sparkling elderberry wine explodes in the cellar. The mycelium fungus crawls up the walls. I imagine that I’m on the other side. Existence is permanent decomposing.”

Specially for this exhibition Renner is showing his new cycle “looking, smelling & squeezing”. Taking center stage is the monumental painting “the honey wall” – composed of damar resin covered in goldleaf, inserted with molded nests out of branches and twigs, honeycombs, seeds, fruits, rinds, juices, and plants.