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11. 03. 10. - 12:00

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11. 03. 10. - 12:00

History in the making at the Albertina

By John Morris

Critically-acclaimed German artist Markus Lüpertz is causing a stir again with an exhibition that opened Wednesday at Vienna’s Albertina Gallery.

The opening of the exhibition, entitled "Metamorphoses of World History", attracted almost 900 visitors, and has polarised critics with its depictions of German images from the National Socialism period.

"The Albertina is deluding itself if it calls Lüpertz’s exhibition a Metamorphosis of World History," was the verdict of one female visitor to the opening at the prestigious gallery a stone’s throw from the famous Vienna Opera House.

"This is the work of an egocentric, narcissistic philanderer who doesn’t even know the names of all his own children."

"Lüpertz is on a huge ego trip," said a female artist.

Another chimed in: "Look how he dresses and poses for the media. He carries a walking stick with a skull and shows contempt for others."

Albertina Director Klaus Albrecht Schröder, was unruffled by any criticisms. He said he was pleased the Albertina could follow its series of exhibitions of Dutch artists from Rembrandt to Van Gogh with "probably the most important German artist of modern times".

"Lüpertz is a classic of the contemporary era," said Schröder.

"He wants each of his works seen as an autonomous art piece. His work is painting pure, touched with irony."

Dr Antonia Hoerschelmann, curator of the graphic collection at the Albertina, also urged visitors to judge the art on its own merits.

"Let his art speak for itself," she said.

"Lüpertz has created his art and wishes each visitor to form his or her own impression. He wants to establish an artistic legacy like most artists.

Lüpertz has a history of flirting with controversy. During the early 1970s, his works incorporated motifs of German militarism, breaking with convention and giving a jolt to Germans still struggling to come to terms with the trauma of the Nazi era.

Prominent Austrian art historian Rainer Metzger spoke of the artist’s determination to defy conformism and usher in a new epoch.

"Lüpertz represents the modern freedom of German expression," he said.

One unabashed fan is Austrian artist Mara Stamenkovic, who has studied with Lüpertz and developed her own approach to an expressionism that challenges the trends of conventional wisdom.

"Lüpertz is my hero and the major influence on my art," said Stemenkovic, who used an exhibition that opened on 8 March, International Women’s Day, to raise funds and awareness for female victims of the Haiti earthquake.

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