Michael Mutschler
Biography
Michael Mutschler (*1947 in Heilbronn) is a German artist who has become known in recent years for his contemporary expressionist paintings and sculptures (exhibitions in Leipzig, New York, Paris, Köln). His pictorial works span a wide cosmos of political and psychological levels of reference. Grown up in an artsy household with classic education he was influenced by Pablo Picasso, Max Beckmann and Joseph Beuys. Michael is considering the issues Modern Artists were raising as an “unfinished story”. The individual and his relationships with loved ones, friends, society, his loneliness and happyness, are a core topic of his paintings and ceramics. Between tragedy and caricature, the former art teacher is exploring human existence. Current crises from pandemic to climate show his art being up to date. As a silver artist his artworks are free from any academic complacent but impressively mature in style, coloring and composing.
The global crisis provoked him to paint a new series of artworks that masterfully interprete the overwhelming despair, fear and loneliness we’re affecting but also sublime revolutionary acts.
What’s your background?
Coming from an artsy family I can't remember ever being without art around me. Many hours of study with my father, an art teacher, and visiting European classic art, it was an easy decision after school to apply for a study of art. I went to the art academy in Stuttgart, Germany which was a main place for social art in the 1970s. Influenced by Beuys and other social artists, I was focused on figurative sculpture and painting. Also, I did puppet theatre. Becoming a father I finally opted for a career as an art teacher in college. Only after retirement I was able to re-start my art career with exhibitions and trade fairs. Now I do enjoy my life as a silver artist
What does it mean to you to win the Collectors Art Prize?
I am happy to see my artwork is getting traction and hopefully, this can help to further raise awareness. Excited to see if the collectors art prize specifically is seen by collectors, too ...
What do you think is the role of art in the world today?
Art cannot stop war, stop hunger or heal wounds. But art can bring hope, vision and perspective. Art can tell: you are not alone in your fear and loneliness. Art can distract, too, but for me it is far more important that art can pinpoint sublime social and emotional disorder, express our disorderment and also be funny and entertaining.Art can educate us - when it mocks the silliness in power, the narcissism in individuality or the triviality in relationship fighting, we may learn to be humble for being healthy and safe.
What would it be if you could change one thing about the art world?
I am a silver artist which means I've started my professional career late. But my art can tell a lot, I have been practicing since 50 years. There is no established market for late beginners. Literature market is much more open for elder green horns. All silver artists, I know, are pretty good in what they're doing. So: open the art market for silver artists, it's worth it!
What are your most significant professional achievements?
I was exhibiting in Paris 2019 and 2022 and I won quite some awards. I would not without my daughter who is my art manager and marketing professional. Even more important to me is every visitor who is touched by my art work. Some even cry which is very touching to me.
What do you wish to tell viewers about your work that might not come out explicitly? What do you hope to inspire with your artwork?
My art isn't about being the nicest one. I like to touch people's feelings and make them think about their emotions and question cliches.
What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of artists?
Don't be afraid to tell your own story, there is no trend, only your capability to express yourself through art. And exercise daily to find your own style. Learn from masters before you start to find your own style. Don't be ashamed if you need to work something else to make your living. Art is not a profession, it's passion. Not necessarily the same.
In what direction would you like to see your career go in the next five years?
Well I am 75. I hope I can continue to work like I do and see people enjoy my artworks.
Country Germany
Website www.michael-mutschler.de
