Markus Prachensky

Markus Prachensky (1932-2011) was a significant Austrian painter and graphic artist whose work played a pivotal role in the development of abstract art. Born in Innsbruck, Prachensky gained international recognition for his expressive and color-intensive compositions. His abstract works reflect a bold spirit of experimentation and a deep connection to the dynamics of forms and colors. Prachensky's influence extends across various art movements, and his works are represented in prestigious collections worldwide.

Inspired by his travels to the ancient Etruscan archaeological sites in Etruria, Prachensky initiated the Etruria series in 1982. This apparent culture clash between contemporary art and antiquity, akin to the work of American artist Cy Twombly, is not an isolated occurrence. Prachensky found a visual equivalent for artistic expression in his tireless travels, where the optical impression was as crucial as his engagement with jazz in terms of a given theme and its variation.

In contrast to his earlier paintings, where he predominantly used red in a dynamic gesture, Prachensky later transitioned to creating a quasi-architectural pattern within the canvas using contrasting color bars. The gestural element of improvisation is retained in the lively, dynamic strokes with numerous splatters. As the youngest member of the painters associated with the Galerie nächst St. Stephan, Prachensky occupies a distinctive position within contemporary Informalism.

Works