The Im Blick series of exhibitions at Upper Belvedere offer a more detailed look at some of the works in the collection that deserve closer attention. In summer 2022, Georg Eisler (1928-1998) feels the lens of analysis focused in his direction.
- Uses Eisler’s writings to illuminate the creative process
- Runs April 8 – Sept 25, 2022
- See also:
A closer look
(Georg Eisler, Café Sperl, 1975; private property; photo: Johannes Stoll / Belvedere, Wien © Bildrecht, Vienna, 2022)
Eisler painted his own version of reality, drawing particular inspiration from people and scenes (whether banal or intensely political or a mixture of the two).
The picture above, for example, shows his painting of “everyday” Café Sperl from 1975. This notable coffee house remains popular today and even features as a location in the Vienna Blood period detective series.
In contrast, Eisler’s 1977 Belfast has two women seemingly returning from a shopping trip. And then you notice the dark huddle of soldiers to their left.
One painting from 1969 simply has people running in a street. Another from 1972 has a similar theme, except these are people running through tear gas.
As Eisler put it himself in a 1963 interview, his approach was to:
…make the intervening spaces visible, the perspectival, emotional and mental spaces between figure and figure.
This process of artistic transfer seems like a graceful swan when viewed in terms of the end product: all ease and simplicity of brush stroke on top. Yet furious pedalling and hard work precedes the achievement.
In Eisler’s case, curator Kerstin Jesse uses his writings, sketches, and reflections (all of which we also see in this small exhibition) to illuminate the process leading to his paintings.
Tickets, dates & tips
Enjoy a closer look at this well-travelled Austrian artist and former student of Oskar Kokoschka between April 8th and September 25th inside the Upper Belvedere palace. An entrance ticket to the location includes the exhibitions inside.
Upper Belvedere has a few other artistic treats for you over much of the same time period, such as an exhibition of realist paintings and Marc Quinn’s remarkable sculptures.
And let us not forget Klimt’s The Kiss (on permanent display along with numerous other works by Klimt). Coincidentally, Eisler was once president of the very same Vienna Secession artist organisation originally founded by Klimt and colleagues back in 1897.
How to get to Eisler
Follow the directions for Upper Belvedere to catch the exhibition. You find it on the left on the ground floor after you pass through the entrance.
Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna