Interview
Marielis Seyler
Marielis was born in 1942 in Wels, Austria. In 1958, she studied at the Graphic Teaching and Research Institute in Vienna. She was a freelance photographer in Munich, Tokyo and Barcelona in 1962. She was a guest student in Rudolf Hausner's master class at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna in 1968. From 1970, she stayed in Paris. From 1972 she ran as management of various art galleries in Cologne (Galerie Onnasch, Galerie Gmurzynska) and Vienna (Galerie Curtze). In 1986, she resumed her own artistic activity in conceptual photography on the subject of man and nature. In 1992, she began a wide range of exhibitions at home and abroad; including in Vienna, Krems, Bologna, Chicago, Cologne, New York, Paris, Prague, Reykjavik and Bratislava.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My teacher in photography at the Graphische Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt in Vienna taught me that photography can also express your feelings and artistic tendencies. Through him, I met many artists in Vienna in 1964.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“Through my work, I want to make people aware of the fact that they disturb nature.”
“I want to make people aware of the fact that they disturb nature.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“Both, I plan in advance and improvisation is also important.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“No, I have my own style and ideas.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“The black and white photography is the basic layout of my work. I first overwork the photo with all kinds of materials. Then, the photo is put on the floor and people have step on it (I call this Tramplepictures). Finally, the photo is put in the garden, in nature and nature works on it (I call this Open Air Pictures).”
What does your art mean to you?
“It is my life!”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“I love Josef Beuys’ works. I met him personally; he was very humane and very concerned of nature and animals.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I had so many exhibitions which were so important to me in New York, Paris, Cologne, Prague, Bratislava and of course, in Vienna at my gallery.”
Website: www.mseyler.com
