Unveiling 'Self-Painting I' by Günter Brus: A Landmark of Viennese Actionism at Belvedere

Günter Brus's 'Self-Painting I' reinterprets the self-portrait through the lens of Viennese Actionism, moving beyond traditional panel painting. The work involves Brus painting on his own body, engaging with sharp utensils and inflicting symbolic wounds.

Günter Brus, a prominent figure in Viennese Actionism, challenged conventional artistic practices with works like 'Self-Painting I'. This piece re-envisions the self-portrait by using the artist's own body as a canvas. The action, divided into segments such as 'Hand-Painting,' 'Head-Painting,' and 'Total Head-Painting,' was observed by a live audience. The series of photographs captures the artist's arm interacting with sharp objects like nails, razor blades, and a saw, inflicting figurative wounds that suggest a painful process. Sketches indicate a progression where a black scar-like line would bisect the artist's skull, face, and body, further emphasizing the exploration of physical and existential boundaries through art. The work is a photograph mounted on cardboard, created in 1964.

Information regarding ticketing or specific exhibition dates is not available on this page, which primarily details an artwork in the collection and a past exhibition mention. Visitors should refer to the Belvedere's main website for current exhibition information and ticketing details.