Arnulf Rainer *1929 in Baden, Austria. Lives and works in Lower Austria and Tenerife.

Rainer is a contemporary painter known for his innovative and expressive approach to art. He is renowned for his „Übermalungen” (overpaintings), where he applies new layers of paint or other materials over existing artworks, obscuring, or altering them in transformative ways. This technique reflects his interest in exploring the subconscious, the process of creation, and the nature of artistic expression itself. Since the 1950s, he has been overpainting his own and others’ works, notably creating “Face Farces” and „Body Poses“. Initially driven by a lack of materials, he later delved into overpainting photos by renowned artists. Throughout his career, Rainer has explored various artistic phases, from abstract expressionism to gestural painting. He has also experimented with other artistic mediums, including photography, collage, and printmaking. Rainer’s work has been exhibited globally, earning him numerous awards and honors for his contributions to contemporary art. He remains a highly influential and respected figure in the art world. In his later works, Rainer extensively engages with photography, creating independent pieces rather than overpainting existing ones.