Arnulf Rainer Discusses His Art as Negation, Not Destruction
In a 1989 interview with Guy Scarpetta, Austrian artist Arnulf Rainer addressed his controversial artistic practices. Rainer, known for altering or destroying others' artworks, rejected the label of "destroyer," preferring instead to describe his actions as "negation." He distinguished his approach from Robert Rauschenberg's symbolic erasure of a Willem de Kooning drawing. The conversation explored the influence of Catholic mystics on Rainer's work and examined the role of physical violence within his artistic process. Rainer's statements clarify his philosophical stance, positioning his interventions as a form of critical engagement rather than mere profanation.
Key facts
- Arnulf Rainer is known for practices involving the destruction of others' artworks.
- Rainer rejects being called a "destroyer," preferring the term "negator."
- His approach is contrasted with Robert Rauschenberg's erasure of a Willem de Kooning drawing.
- The artist was interviewed by Guy Scarpetta.
- The interview explored the influence of Catholic mystics on Rainer's work.
- The conversation examined the role of physical violence in his art.
- The interview was published in 1989.
- The source is an article from artpress.
Entities
Artists
- Arnulf Rainer
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Willem de Kooning
- Guy Scarpetta
Institutions
- artpress
Sources
- artpress —