Arnulf Rainer – Kosmos III (blau), 2003 – Drypoint

Drypoint on Aluminumplate

This drypoint etching on an aluminum plate, measuring 50 x 68 cm, presents a striking abstract composition. A dense, chaotic cluster of overlapping lines dominates the center of the work, rendered in a deep blue hue. The swirling lines give a sense of dynamic motion, evoking the vastness of space and the energy of celestial forms, as implied by the title Kosmos III (Cosmos III). Rainer’s controlled spontaneity highlights his fascination with abstraction, texture, and the expressive potential of linework. The delicate yet intense layering of marks suggests themes of infinite depth and cosmic chaos, while the restrained color palette amplifies its meditative quality. Part of an edition of 40, the work exemplifies Rainer’s mastery in drypoint printing and his exploration of the metaphysical through art.

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

Kosmos III (blau), 2003

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

Drypoint

DrypointDrypoint is an intaglio printmaking technique where an image is incised onto a plate using a sharp, pointed tool, typically a needle made of metal or diamond. Traditionally, copper plates were used, but today zinc, plexiglass, or acetate are also common. Drypoint is easier for drawing artists to master compared to engraving, as the needle technique resembles drawing with a pencil rather than the more complex burin used in engraving.

Edition

Edition of 40

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Limited Edition Print

Drypoint

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Arnulf Rainer

lila Wald, 2001

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition Print

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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 automatism?

Automatism refers to a technique in the creative process that accesses material from the unconscious or subconscious mind. It is based on Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic method of free association. Artists value this process for its ability to inspire creative thought and spontaneous creation.

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Arnulf Rainer