668 - NITSCH, HERMANN

NITSCH, HERMANN 1938 Vienna–2022 Mistelbach Title: Untitled (spill image). Date: 2021. Technique: Acrylic on jute. Dimensions: 200 x 300 cm. Notation: Signed and dated on the reverse, left: hermann nitsch 2021. Inscribed on the stretcher, upper left: BF_CATHRIN_21. Provenance: - Corporate collection, North Rhine-Westphalia Exhibition: - Schönewald Kunsthandel, Düsseldorf 2022 - As a co-founder of Viennese Actionism, Nitsch is one of the most influential figures in Austrian postwar art - A vibrantly colored late work by the artist that masterfully captures the process- and action-oriented character of the “Schüttbilder” - The “Schüttbilder” form a central component of Nitsch’s artistic oeuvre Hermann Nitsch was born in Vienna in 1938 and attended the Graphische Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt there from 1953 to 1958. Beginning in the late 1950s, he developed his “Orgy-Mystery Theater,” a festival lasting several days that draws parallels to the Passion of Christ and the ancient cult of Dionysus, combining painting, music, ritual, and performance into a total work of art. Although his sometimes radical performances—involving animal carcasses, blood, and ritual acts—employ drastic means, they do not aim merely to shock or disgust, but rather to evoke an existential, cathartic experience of life, death, and resurrection. These performances gave rise to the “Schüttbilder,” which serve both as testimonies and as independent works of art. The 2021 “Schüttbild” was created during the artist’s late period, one year before his death, and is thus among his final works. The jute is dyed with a mottled, earthy base in shades of rust, ochre, and brown. Irregular traces, delicate streaks, and dark shading convey the impression of an organic creative process. A powerful, horizontal stream of vibrant colors pours across the center of the canvas. It begins with a deep red, transitions to a radiant orange, then through an intense yellow to a luminous magenta, and finally returns to orange. At the right edge of the canvas, a cluster of green, blue, and violet converges, forming a powerful contrast to the warm red tones. The thickly applied, impasto paint appears in circling, swirling strokes and creates a tactile relief that captures the trace of movement. Viewing this large-scale work offers an immediate, sensory experience of a color space of dramatic intensity. The monumental picture surface unfolds a meditative yet highly energetic presence that inevitably captivates the viewer. Estimated shipping costs for this lot: This lot is not suitable for parcel shipping. Transport must be arranged through a shipping company following consultation after the auction. Additional shipping insurance Shipping insurance up to a total invoice amount of 25,000 euros: max. 41.65 euros over a total invoice amount of 25,000 euros: 1.8 per thousand Shipping to the U.S. by individual arrangement after the auction. #Hermann Nitsch #Viennese Actionism #Body Art #Austria #Post-War Art #2020s #Post War. This lot will be sold subject to standard taxation (Conditions of Sale §V6.1) In accordance with §26 UrhG (German Copyright Act), VAN HAM is obligated to pay a statutory resale royalty on the sale proceeds of all original works of fine art and photography whose authors have not been deceased for 70 years prior to the end of the calendar year of the sale. The buyer shall contribute 1.5% of the hammer price toward this fee.