Artistic Style and Technique
Rudi Stanzel operates within a restrained visual language, focusing his practice on minimalist, abstract compositions. His palette is strictly controlled, often limited to black, white, and gray. Through this economy of color, he explores the tension between the heavy and the immaterial. His work frequently utilizes a series of vertical and horizontal lines to define space and structure. These linear elements can appear as solid as lead or as fleeting as fog, creating a sense of suspension in the moment of perception.
The physical nature of his work is defined by an experimental approach to materiality. He has moved beyond traditional canvas to employ thin, handmade rice paper, which he treats with acrylic and Indian ink to achieve specific tonal qualities. His technical range includes the use of graphite and bitumen, alongside more tactile methods such as applying reliefed glue on transparent paper. This varied application of media allows him to manipulate texture and light, turning simple geometric arrangements into complex studies of connectivity and departure.
Major Commissions and Installations
In 2010, Stanzel realized the permanent installation rise/fall, a work commissioned by Peter Noever. This sculpture was developed specifically for the CAT Contemporary Art Tower in Vienna. It has since become a component of the MAK collection of the 21st century of contemporary art.
His presence in the architectural landscape of Vienna is further marked by installations at the Upper Belvedere. There, he translated the handwriting of the philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz into a structure composed of chain links. This work, titled Link-Chain-Curtain, interacts with the verticality of the staircase. In the same location, the installation A Pile of Primes introduces a sequence of prime numbers to the spatial order of the Sala Terrena.
Exhibitions and Locations of Works
The reach of his presence extends across several continents, with exhibitions held in Austria, Germany, France, the USA, Japan, India, and Ireland. These international appearances reflect a career that has moved beyond local boundaries to engage with diverse audiences. In 2007, his work was featured at Galerie Ulysses in Wien.
His practice has also involved significant periods of residency, such as his time at the Ningbo Museum of Art. During this period, he developed specific material combinations to suit the local environment. His sculptural presence is also felt in Vienna, where the installation rise/fall is held within the MAK Depot of CAT Contemporary Art Tower.
