Modern Art - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 1986 - 4 Shilling

The brand image shows the work "Dissolution" by the Austrian artist Walter Schmögner. For many years, Schmögner has been experimenting with decomposing fruits in his studio. He is fascinated by such biological processes, which create the breeding ground for new life through decay. These topics characterize only individual phases in the oeuvre of Schmögner. Also, love and death, the central themes of life, appear again and again with him. At the same time, death does not have the frightful expression usually associated with it. The decay of the pear leaves its core intact, the ecological perspective does not allow death as a final conclusion. The diversity of the theme prevents a paralysis of Schmögner's work. He constantly oscillates between sketches and diaries on one side, precisely painted pictures and objects on the other. It "prepares him sensual pleasure to see how old and new accumulate, he does not throw things away, because they would not get the certain appeal until they could not be needed," said Schmögner once in conversation. So it is not surprising that the depiction of the "dissolution" on a stamp from an artist who thinks and lives such thoughts has led to fierce discussions in public. It is thanks to the Austrian Post that it also gives controversial works a place on their stamps. - The further development of Schmögner? Whatever the case, the art critic is unlikely to find it easier than today to follow her.