Gottfried Helnwein

Art as an Outcry

Gottfried Helnwein is one of the most important contemporary artists internationally. His works are radical visual worlds – hyperrealistic, provocative and deeply moving. With his unmistakable visual language, Helnwein confronts violence, pain and repression – and forces the viewer to look where one would rather look away.

Born in Vienna in 1948, Helnwein grew up in post-war Austria – a society that wanted nothing more than to forget itself. His art is a reaction to this collective memory loss. With iconic motifs – often injured, silent children – he makes visible the victims who otherwise have no voice. His images are silent cries, visual indictments of abuse of power, militarism and the dark chapters of our history.

Helnwein’s work has received numerous awards and has been exhibited in renowned museums worldwide, most recently with record visitor numbers at the Albertina in Vienna. He polarises, provokes – and remains uncompromisingly sincere. His art is not decorative, but necessary.

An artist who makes no compromises. A humanist with a paintbrush.