Paul Kitzmüller

Artist in Residence

Supporting Organization:

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Based in: Austria
Participated in: Vienna Local Urban Lab

Paul Kitzmüller’s artistic work delves deeply into the complexities of the human experience, focusing on the intricate dynamics of connection, movement, and the duality of proximity. His graphic drawings, characterized by repetitive human figures, evoke a sense of ongoing search for meaningful encounters. These encounters are not just about connecting with others; they are also pivotal moments for fostering self-love and self-awareness. However, Kitzmüller doesn’t shy away from portraying the ambivalence inherent in closeness, the fine line between joy and fear, comfort and vulnerability. In his work, Kitzmüller masterfully captures the tension between the external world and inner emotions, showing how outside influences can disrupt established patterns, yet at the same time, reinforce them. His drawings are a reflection of the delicate balance that exists between the environment and our emotional responses, emphasizing how external stimuli can shape our inner world. Through his art, Kitzmüller invites viewers to contemplate the emotional navigation required in our interactions and the ongoing quest for personal meaning and connection. Paul Kitzmüller studied space & design strategies at the University of Art in Linz under Ton Matton. Born in Linz, he now lives and works in Vienna.

Paul Kitzmüller’s artistic practice is primarily dedicated to graphic drawings featuring repetitive human figures, through which he investigates themes of closeness, movement, and relationships.

This is also reflected here: four large canvases are covered with thousands of his so-called “Mantschgis” (Kitzmüller’s own term). The four canvases symbolically represent the four quarters of Vienna’s Seestadt Aspern, while the drawn figures embody its inhabitants.

As part of the International Lab in Vienna/Seestadt Aspern, Kitzmüller presented the works developed during his residency on October 18–19, 2024. On these days, Vienna-based artists,  including Kitzmüller, showcased the pieces they had created in and for Seestadt“.

– Curator Karl Kilian