Daniel Ferstl Sews Horror Into Domestic Comfort
Austrian artist Daniel Ferstl is known for his unique textile creations, which mix horror themes with cozy, homey vibes. He works with materials like foam, fleece, and upholstery padding, sewing them onto various fabrics instead of using traditional paint. By selecting textiles such as wool check, terry cloth, and satin, he shapes them into padded forms that look like wall quilts or soft sculptures. Notable pieces include 'Posh Doggo Skeleton' (2024) and 'Sometimes it's hard to love yourself' (2026), inspired by horror movies and meme culture. Ferstl studied at the Universität für angewandte Kunst Wien and co-founded the artist space MAUVE. His work is included in notable collections and upcoming exhibitions in Vienna, Palma, and Besançon.
Key facts
- Daniel Ferstl builds textile works by sewing padded forms onto fabric, starting with sourced materials rather than paint.
- His works fuse horror iconography with domestic softness, using foam, fleece, and upholstery padding.
- Works include 'Posh Doggo Skeleton' (2024) and 'Sometimes it's hard to love yourself' (2026).
- Ferstl studied at Universität für angewandte Kunst Wien under Christian Ludwig Attersee (2003–2008).
- He was a founding member of the artist-run space MAUVE in Vienna (2012–2016).
- His work is in the Collection of the State of Austria and the City of Vienna.
- He was included in the 2023 Belvedere 21 group show 'Über das Neue'.
- Upcoming: solo show at Ateliers Vauban, Besançon (August) and residency at LaBibi Gallery, Mallorca (September).
Entities
Artists
- Daniel Ferstl
- Christian Ludwig Attersee
Institutions
- MAUVE
- Belvedere 21
- Proyecto Reme
- Wonnerth Dejaco
- Ateliers Vauban
- LaBibi Gallery
- Universität für angewandte Kunst Wien
- Collection of the State of Austria
- Collection of the City of Vienna
Locations
- Linz
- Austria
- Vienna
- Palma
- Spain
- Besançon
- France
- Mallorca