Interview
Manuel Langstadlinger
Manuel Langstadlinger was born as the third of four children in the small town of Neulengbach, Lower Austria. He grew up there and continues to live in the same place to this day. Being the son of a Roma, his environment was influenced by creativity in the form of music and visual arts. As a young child, he stood out with his talent. Inspired by his own father, who was an artist himself, the early years were highly influential in his personal development, and the subsequent years were initially characterized by realism. During this time, he created many different motifs, with portraits being the majority, and even then, his focus was on imaginative scenarios. Later on, art quickly became a refuge where he could process daily problems within the family, the outside world, and his emotions. This served as an important anchor for the artist, allowing him to protect himself and avoid making poor decisions.
In 2006, the artist began his first exhibitions. A few years later, in 2008, he started advanced training in painting and graphics under Mag.art Maria Savchenko-Terzinsky, who taught visual arts in theory and practice in Neulengbach. In 2010, Langstadlinger began his studies in graphic design at the New Design University in St.Pölten, which he later discontinued. In the following years, the artist worked professionally as a graphic designer and illustrator for various companies and design agencies. Despite his enthusiasm for showcasing his artworks in exhibitions, the artist decided in 2012 to hold his last exhibition for the time being. It took place at Club B72 in Vienna, together with artists Marcin Glod, Belinda Swoboda, and Melanie Morawetz. In the subsequent years, the artist dedicated himself intensely to his own art, pursuing further education in design and art, and today holds degrees in graphic design and art history, among others. Finally, in 2019, he returned with an exhibition in Vienna, Austria. The exhibition was inaugurated by MBA Franz Erhard Lerch, Chairman of the Vienna Art Forums. Immediately after, a joint exhibition with artist Michael J Masata took place at the same gallery. Today, Langstadlinger works as an independent graphic designer and artist and is occasionally seen at various international exhibitions and featured in various publications.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Besides the usual life in society, I spent my childhood in a hidden world together with my three siblings, often inaccessible to others. Paternally, I come from a Roma family, which has shaped my experiences and perspectives. In this unique environment, creativity was an inseparable part of our everyday life, especially for myself. When I wasn‘t energetically running around, I was always armed with an array of pens and paper to capture everything I saw in some way. Art forms such as music, dance, painting, and craftsmanship were present from early childhood and made a lasting impression on me and my siblings. They were essential elements of my surroundings that significantly influenced my artistic development. As I grew older, my father, himself a former active artist, took me under his wing and introduced me further into this world. Through his support and guidance, I found my way into the art world. I began to explore my creative passion and express my own voice. Over time, my artistic journey became a meaningful part of my life. The influences of my family background and my father‘s guidance have encouraged me to discover and express my artistic identity. They have given me the courage to incorporate my unique perspective and personal heritage into my works. Thus, my journey into the art world is characterized by a deep connection to my culture, my roots, and my own creative exploration.”
What inspires you?
“The imagination and its significance in life inspire me greatly. It is like a wing that carries us beyond the limits of reality and opens up a world full of possibilities. Imagination enables creative visions, alternative realities, and the realization of our innermost dreams. It frees us from the everyday and transports us into adventures, magic, and boundless imaginings. Imagination fuels our creativity, inspires new ideas, and opens new perspectives. It allows us to reinvent ourselves, overcome fears, and discover inner longings. Through intense engagement with imagination, I have learned that it connects us with our inner world and leads us to deep self-awareness. It is a source of inspiration that encourages us to broaden our horizons and make our dreams come true.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In my artistic work, I find an inexhaustible source of inspiration in imagination. It drives me to surpass boundaries and express my own vision. Imagination gives my works a deeper meaning and brings them to life. Imagination is more than just an escape from reality - it enriches life. It opens up new worlds, strengthens our imagination, and makes the impossible tangible. Imagination is an essential part of my existence and an infinite source of inspiration.”
“The imagination and its significance in life inspire me greatly. It is like a wing that carries us beyond the limits of reality and opens up a world full of possibilities.”
How would you describe your work?
“Art is my deepest passion, and it has served as an outlet for me to escape from the everyday challenges of an environment that hasn‘t always been easy since early childhood. In my works, I explore multifaceted themes: longings, fears, both painful and joyful experiences from my past and present. It is my very personal form of mental hygiene that prevents me from losing myself. At the same time, I warmly invite the viewer of my artworks to immerse themselves as guests into my intimate psyche and embark on a fascinating journey together with me.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am a very critical person, so there are only a few artists whom I personally find truly talented and inspiring. I have been significantly influenced by Schiele, Kokoschka, and Van Gogh, but there have also been some comic artists and mangaka who have influenced me, such as the creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama, Walt Disney, and others.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process begins with the inspirations from my surroundings and experiences. I let my sketches emerge freely, guided by my innermost emotions. Throughout the conceptualization process, new aspects constantly arise, eventually coming together in the final sketch. Similar to playing the guitar, I follow my intuitive sense and allow the visual expression of my feelings to guide me. Symbolism plays a significant role in my works as it can convey deeper meanings and messages. In addition to experimenting with paper-based creations, I also find sculpture to be a fascinating form of expression. Through patience and perseverance, I overcome challenges and continue to evolve artistically. Each artwork represents a profound expression of my passion, personal vision, and the symbolic meanings it embodies.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist plays a significant role in society by offering new perspectives, eliciting emotions, and prompting contemplation. Through their works, artists can reflect on complex issues, highlight social injustices, and establish a connection with people. They serve as voices of expression, change, and inspiration. The development of an artist is an ongoing process of growth and discovery. By constantly exploring their artistic forms of expression and evolving their skills, artists expand their influence and significance in society. They seek new challenges, experiment with different techniques, and find their own voice. As artists, they are part of a creative dialogue with society and contribute to cultural development. Through their works, they can stimulate discourse, provide food for thought, and bridge gaps between different individuals and ideas. The development of an artist goes hand in hand with the development of society, contributing to making it more diverse, reflective, and inspired.”
Instagram: @manschey
