“He helped shape world art”: Reactions to the death of Günter Brus

Vice Chancellor and Minister of Arts Werner Kogler (Greens) via X (formerly Twitter): “In his long, deep search, Günter Brus helped shape world art and helped change our country at a time when change was urgently needed. A great spirit and person – he will be missed. My condolences go out to his family.”

Art and Culture State Secretary Andrea Mayer: “Günter Brus is one of the exceptional artistic phenomena of the 20th century. He broke the mold, both of society and of artistic representation, and thereby changed the history of art forever. With unwavering steadfastness and perseverance, he inspired us with his visionary His work irritates, stirs up and enriches. We will always remember him and know that his art has been continued in the work of current performance artists.”

• Also read: Actionist Günter Brus died

Elke Kahr, Mayor of Graz (KPÖ): “Günter Brus was known and important far beyond the borders of Austria. With his art he not only left a lasting mark, he also gave important impetus for social changes. My condolences go out to his family and everyone who is closely connected to his work .”

Marko Mele and Josef Schrammel, managing directors of the Universalmuseum Joanneum: “It is with great sadness that we received the news of the death of Günter Brus. One of the greatest Styrian artists shaped an era of Austrian and international art through his actions and his graphic work. His works inspire and delight visitors to the Bruseum in the Neue Galerie in Graz since its opening and we will ensure that his work is never forgotten. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”

• More about the artist and his work: Actionist Günter Brus: First persecuted, then appreciated

Roman Grabner, director of the Bruseum in Graz: “Günter Brus was one of the outstanding artistic personalities of the 20th century, who pushed the limits with his art and literally put his body to the test. He lived unconditionally for art and never shied away from the consequences of his radicalism. He stood for art history created something lasting. Günter Brus was not only a rigorous actionist, obsessive illustrator and language-expanding poet, but also a bright spirit and political person to the end who will be sorely missed.”

Philipp Konzett, gallery owner, co-initiator and managing director of the Vienna Actionism Museum (WAM): “Günter Brus was the only one of the four actionists who carried out his actions on himself. He went to his personal limits in order to show psychopathological dimensions. The action ‘Self-painting’ by Günter Brus is the subject of the opening exhibition ‘What is Viennese Actionism?’ In this exhibition and in our museum, Günter Brus and his work will not only live on – it will be honored and discussed. The WAM will show what important contribution Viennese Actionism, including Günter Brus, made to the concept of art after 1945.”