Hermann Nitsch

Born in Vienna, Austria in 1938, Hermann Nitsch studied graphics at the Institute of Graphic Arts in his hometown. As a painter, performer, composer photographer and scenographer, he was one of the most influential artists of his generation. He passed on April 18th, 2022.

 

Considered a key figure in Viennese Action Painting of the 1960s, Hermann Nitsch continued to use this radical method of painting, essentially through his creation of the Orgien Mysterien Theater, a concept of ceremonial performance art comparable to Wagner's Gesamtkunstwerk (total art work). This total art form calls to all five human senses and advocates for a profound existentialist reflection. Hermann Nitsch created his paintings using his entire body. Therefore, they were simultaneously the origin and the result of his performances. Combining oil and acrylic paint of a certain hue, he spread it on canvas using unconventional tools as well as his hands, feet and whole body movements. Through these actions, Nitsch demonstrated his energetic, spiritual, sensual and passionate persona. Chaos and violence, which accompany his work, are in fact a celebration of life and  mirror the human soul.

 

His artworks are permanently exhibited in the two Nitsch Museums located in Mistelbach, Austria and Naples, Italy as well as in the Nitsch Foundation in Vienna. His paintings are displayed in many major art galleries and museums throughout the world and are included in the permanent collections of the MOMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum, New York, the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, the Tate Gallery, London and the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam as well as the Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich, just to name a few.

Image courtesy of the artist

SELECTED WORKS

Hermann Nitsch 15_202020

Acrylic on canvas

200 x 300 cm | 78.7 x 118.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch HF_marielle_202020

Acrylic on canvas

200 x 150 cm | 78.7 x 59.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch Rov_14_122012

Acrylic on canvas

200 x 300 cm | 78.7 x 118.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch ROV_53_971997

Acrylic on canvas

188 x 300 cm | 74 x 118.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch 19_142014

Acrylic on canvas

200 x 300 cm | 78.7 x 118.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch HF_05_202020

Acrylic on canvas

200 x 150 cm | 78.7 x 59.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch K_12_202020

Acrylic on canvas

100 x 80 cm | 39.4 x 31.5 in

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Hermann Nitsch 9_142014

Acrylic on canvas

200 x 300 cm | 78.7 x 118.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch K_05_202020

Acrylic on canvas

100 x 80 cm | 39.4 x 31.5 in

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Hermann Nitsch K_enya_202020

Acrylic on canvas

100 x 80 cm | 39.4 x 31.5 in

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Hermann Nitsch S 11/3/951995

Oil on canvas

200 x 300 cm | 78.7 x 118.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch BFGP_31_212021

Mixed media on canvas

300 x 400 cm | 118.1 x 157.5 in

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Hermann Nitsch 01b_142014

Mixed media on canvas

200 x 300 cm | 78.7 x 118.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch HF_25_202020

Mixed media on canvas

200 x 150 cm | 78.7 x 59.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch Sascha_202020

Mixed media on canvas

200 x 300 cm | 78.7 x 118.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch HF_Anne_212021

Mixed media on canvas

200 x 150 cm | 78.7 x 59.1 in

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Hermann Nitsch HF_Amilla_212021

Mixed media on canvas

200 x 150 cm | 78.7 x 59.1 in

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