Ludwig Merwart

Who was Ludwig Merwart?

Ludwig Merwart was an influential Austrian painter and graphic artist. He is an important representative of Tachism and was a major force in graphic arts and prints, especially after World War II. His work belongs to the most significant and interesting contributions to graphic arts in Austria to this day.

Merwart’s unique technique of iron etching attracted great attention in the 50s and 60s and 70s. In 1959 he exhibited his work at the documenta 2 in Kassel and at the V. Biennale de São Paulo, the following year at the International Graphic Biennale in Cincinnati and the Tate Gallery in London.

“These prints rung from iron, acid and color, radiate tranquility, confidence and creativity. The adventure of a method reaching back to the very roots and origins of the creative impulse have here captured a phenomenon, which, independent of the process of realization, afford the viewer an experience of pronounced aesthetic intensity.”