Herbert Brandl(1959–2025)
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We are deeply saddened to learn that Herbert Brandl passed away unexpectedly yesterday at the age of 66. His passing is a great loss for us and for the art world. Since 1995, we have collaborated closely on numerous international projects and exhibitions. To have been his friend and to accompany him in his artistic journey was a great privilege. He will be profoundly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go to Herbert Brandl’s long-time partner, the artist Edelgard Gerngross, and her brother Paul Tarman. “Spirit Lead Me” was the title of Herbert Brandl’s final exhibition in 2023 at Galerie nächst St. Stephan, accompanied by a comprehensive publication. It marked the eleventh solo exhibition we realized together. Herbert Brandl was the most important Austrian painter of the present day, with a significant international reputation. Shortly after completing his studies, he gained wide recognition in the mid-1980s as a key figure and dynamic member of a new discourse in painting. He was involved in renowned international exhibitions early on, including the Biennale in Paris (1985), the Biennale in São Paulo (1989), and documenta 9 (1992). In 2007, Herbert Brandl represented Austria at the Venice Biennale—an outstanding milestone in a long series of important exhibitions. Major international institutions dedicated solo exhibitions to him, such as Kunsthalle Bern (1991), Kunsthalle Basel (1999), and the Deichtorhallen in Hamburg (2009). In Austria, his work was celebrated in solo shows at prominent institutions including the Secession (1982 with Gerwald Rockenschaub and 1998 with Gunter Damisch), the Neue Galerie at the Universalmuseum Joanneum (2002), the Albertina (2009/2010), as well as the Belvedere, Kunsthaus Graz, and Halle für Kunst & Medien Graz (all 2020). His most recent exhibition was presented in 2023 at the Künstlerhaus in Vienna, featuring works from the Thomas Angermair Collection. Herbert Brandl’s works are part of numerous Austrian and international collections. In recognition of his artistic achievements, he was awarded the Cultural Prize of the City of Graz in 2024. From 2004 to 2019, he served as professor at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where he had a formative impact on many students. Herbert Brandl was a remarkable person, endowed with a sensitivity and talent that cannot be taught. His generosity and deep humanity shaped his compelling presence and created an immediate sense of connection with those around him. His loss is of a magnitude we can scarcely comprehend. We have lost a friend and an artist. We will miss him immensely. Rosemarie Schwarzwälder, Samuel Mizrachi, Kathrin Bürger, Veronika Floch, Karl Grünling, Lukas Hagspiel, Melanie Harl, Raphael Oberhuber, Klara Paterok, Erika Plattner, Deniz Pekerman, and Bernadette Wittmann.
Photo
- Samuel Mizrachi
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