Self-Painting I – Works – Sammlung Online

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Selbstbemalung I

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Self-Painting I
Date1964

Artist Günter Brus (1938 Ardning – 2024 Graz)

ULAN

Object typePhoto
MediumFotografie auf Karton aufgeklebt
Dimensions
Darstellungsmaße: 48,7 × 38,8 cm
SignatureSign. [mit Hand] (a.d. rs. des Kartons): G. Brus (Stempel: 30. April 1985)
Inventory number8169/4
Location Currently not on display
Günter Brus is regarded as an exponent of Viennese Actionism. “Self-Painting I” reenvisions the self-portrait in an effort to break free from the classical panel painting. Brus divides the action into the segments “Hand-Painting,” “Head-Painting,” and “Total Head-Painting.” A live audience watches as he demonstrates the possibilities of painting on his own body. The series of photographs shows a painted arm variously interacting with nails, razor blades, scissors, and a saw. The sharp-edged utensils inflict figurative wounds on the body, suggesting a process that is presumably no less painful. Sketches indicate how the action will continue: a black scar-like line will split the artist’s skull, face, and body.

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1989 Ankauf Dorotheum, Wien

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