Letters from Maria Lassnig to Hans Ulrich Obrist

Letters from Maria Lassnig to Hans Ulrich Obrist

She was the most important painter in Austria. In recent years he has been repeatedly voted the most influential person in the world of international art. Swiss curator Hans Ulrich Obrist and Carinthian painter Maria Lassnig had a close friendship. Obrist not only organized a series of exhibitions that significantly promoted Lassnig’s world fame, but since 1993 the two have also been in animated correspondence. The Maria Lassnig Foundation has published the letters in an elaborate illustrated book.

“Dear Hans Ulrich, you can see from the lyrics that I am a ruin that nobody knows what can happen.” Lines that Maria Lassnig, 90, addressed to Swiss curator Hans Ulrich Obrist in 2009. These are words of resignation that contrast with the vital and stubborn work that the Carinthian painter created in old age. But the great recognition came late.

“It was very linguistic. It had a strong lyrical side.” Peter Pakesch

Late pioneer

In 2013, shortly before his death, Lassnig received the Golden Lion at the Venice Art Biennale. But it is already too weak to accept the price personally.

As a pioneer of female self-determination, Lassnig had the feeling of being ignored throughout her life. The doubts that torment the artist also go through the correspondence with the curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, who is one of the greats of his profession. Despite the doubts, she was also convinced of herself and knew exactly what she was doing artistically. This mix can be found in many artists.

Facsimiles, photographs, works.

“He never sought closeness with groups of people and groups. But he maintained close contact with people. The letters he wrote to Hans Ulrich Obrist also demonstrate this,” said Peter Pakesch, president of the Maria Lassnig Foundation. Along with Hans Ulrich Obrist, Pakesch published the volume “Maria Lassnig – Letters to Hans Ulrich Obrist”. It not only combines facsimiles of handwritten letters and postcards, but also photographs and illustrations of central works.

Handwriting and drawing flow together

“The artist also provided many letters with drawings. The drawing element also flows very strongly in other correspondence. The writing and drawing flow with each other,” says Peter Pakesch. “It was very linguistic. It had a strong lyrical side. This mix makes the lyrics special.”

Maria Lassnig has been writing to the world-famous curator for over 20 years, sharing her thoughts on painting with him, polemic against the popular medium of photography, and losing herself in the considerations of everyday life that takes place between her Viennese study and the estate in the Metnitz valley of Carinthia. An exchange that is deeply seen and silent a few months before the death of Maria Lassnig. In January 2014, Lassnig addressed his last words to the dear friend and wrote in barely legible handwriting:

Every day is the last ………………
Each night is heavy
Around the world

Service

“Maria Lassnig – Letters to Hans Ulrich Obrist”, edited by Hans Ulrich Obrist, Peter Pakesch and Hans Werner Poschauko for the Maria Lassnig Foundation, Cologne 2020
Maria Lassnig Foundation

Design

Summary