Number systems
Numbers play a special role in Richard Kriesche’s work: he works with numerical codes, precise measurements, size ratios and numerical proportions. Even in his abstract pictures from the 1960s he was not interested in beauty or conveying subjective moods. Instead, he demonstrates a systematic approach to art, working with geometric shapes or with the primary colours of yellow, red and blue. These early works already indicate the close relationship between art and scientific research that becomes even more evident in his later works.
Like experiments in scientific research, some of Kriesche’s installations take place under clearly defined spatial and temporal conditions. With an analytical, investigative gaze, his art seeks to open up new approaches to the world.
Short Biography
- Born 1940 in Vienna, lives and works in Graz
- 1963 Graduated in graphic arts and painting (Academy of Fine Arts Vienna) and also history of art (University of Vienna); taught at the Federal Technical College in Graz
- 1970/71 Study year at UCL in London
- 1983/84 DAAD Artists’ Programme in Berlin 1985/86 Period of research in the USA
- Since 1988 various teaching positions including the TU Vienna, the University of Art and Design in Offenbach/Main, the École Supérieure des Beaux Arts in Paris
- 1996 Deputy head of the Styrian government’s Science and Research department
- 1997 Head of scientific and artistic affairs at ‘foku’ for the Styrian government Since 1999 European Commission for ‘policy development in the culture sphere’
- 1999–2003 Member of the working group preparing for Graz’s year as European Capital of Culture 2003
- 2007 Ehrenkreuz award for science and art of the Republic of Austria Participations at the Biennale di Venezia (34th, 42nd, 46th) and Documenta in Kassel (6th, 8th).
