Arnulf Rainer – Kopf auf Braun (Selbstportrait), 1991 – Mixed media

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Etching over color lithograph on Hahnemühle-Vélin - signed and numbered by hand - there are some small brown spots on the right side (minor) - Image Size: 40 x 30.5cm - Sheet Size: 79.5 x 57cm.

Arnulf Rainer’s Kopf auf Braun (Self-Portrait) from 1991 is a limited edition mixed media print, blending etching over color lithography on Hahnemühle-Vélin paper. In this intense self-portrait, Rainer employs a technique of dense, chaotic lines scratched over his face, partially obscuring his features while amplifying a sense of introspection and emotional depth. The dark brown and black tones create a moody, almost haunting atmosphere, inviting viewers to ponder the psychological layers beneath the surface. This piece, characteristic of Rainer’s exploration of self-representation, emphasizes both personal and universal themes of identity and self-examination. Signed and numbered by the artist, it stands as a testament to his innovative and expressive approach to portraiture.

Arnulf Rainer (Austria, 1929) is a pioneering artist known for his abstract informal art. He co-founded the Hundsgruppe in 1950 and developed his signature 'overpaintings,' where he layered paint over existing images, exploring themes of creation and destruction. Rainer's work often delves into the subconscious, reflecting his interest in dreams and the mystical.

Arnulf Rainer

Kopf auf Braun (Selbstportrait), 1991

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

Mixed media

Mixed mediaMixed media refers to artwork that incorporates more than one medium within a single piece. Unlike multimedia art, which combines distinct forms of visual art and often includes elements like sound, video, or digital media, mixed media focuses on combining traditional art materials, such as paint, ink, and collage. Mixed media art allows artists to achieve a wide range of effects and textures by layering and blending different materials.

Edition

Edition of 100

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Only an 'almost,' a 'nearly,' is possible.
- Arnulf Rainer

Renowned for his abstract appropriation art, Arnulf Rainer is a painter and founder of the Hundgruppe (dog group) alongside fellow artists Brauer and Mikl. Rainer has recevied acclaim for his technique of ‘overpainting’ which involves him taking a pre-existing work, and painting over it, usually with gestural strokes and a heavy impasto; Wine Crucifix is one of his most notable ‘overpaintings’ - originally painted in 1957 by the artist, he decided to rework it in 1978 noting that the ‘quality and truth of the picture only grew as it became darker and darker’. Rainer was heavily inspired by the depths of the human mind and explored his own subconscious through painting with the technique of Automatism, popular among Surrealist painters – he also experimented with painting with his feet and fingers as well as exploring the effect of hallucinogenic drugs on his creativity.

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What is late modernism?

Late Modernism refers to the continuation and evolution of Modernist principles in art, architecture, and literature from the mid-20th century into the late 20th century. This movement maintains a focus on form, abstraction, and the rejection of traditional styles, but it often incorporates more complexity and ambiguity compared to early Modernism. Late Modernism explores themes such as alienation, identity, and the fragmentation of reality, reflecting the social and cultural shifts of the post-war period. It is seen in the works of architects like Louis Kahn and artists like Francis Bacon, who pushed the boundaries of Modernism while responding to the changing world around them.

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Arnulf Rainer

Kopf auf Braun (Selbstportrait), 1991

79.5 x 57 cm

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Arnulf Rainer