Critique Career History 

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Mario Dalpra is an Austrian artist known for his dynamic evolution and innovative approaches in  both material and conceptual art. His career began in the early 1980s when he studied under  renowned artist Arnulf Rainer, which sparked his interest in overpainting techniques. In the late  1980s, Dalpra transitioned from abstract expressionism to sculpture, focusing on metalwork, which  became a defining medium in his career. 

 

His time spent in Australia between 1989 and 1996 had a profound impact on his artistic style,  particularly through his exposure to Maori culture and tattoo symbolism. In 2010, Dalpra shifted  towards creating wooden sculptures, emphasizing expressionistic-archaic forms influenced by his  travels in Indonesia and India. 

 

By 2011, he started experimenting with softer, fluid forms in bronze and aluminum, incorporating  glossy, polished finishes. During the same period, he introduced his “bag sculptures” as a critique of  the art market, using humor and irony. Since 2016, Dalpra has been creating tattooed sculptures,  focusing on themes of identity and surface perfection. 

 

2022-2024 :  

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From 2022 to 2024, Mario Dalpra exhibited his work in Art Austria, Art Karlsruhe, and the Volta  Art Fair in Basel. His projects expanded to include a collaboration with Matthias Hauer on the  film Project D, marking his foray into multimedia. Throughout this period, Dalpra remained  committed to exploring themes of identity, surface perfection, and the duality of perfection and  imperfection. 

 

Critique of Dalpra’s Art 

 

Dalpra’s art is a unique synthesis of diverse cultural influences, from Maori tattoos to Far Eastern  aesthetics. His work often explores the dualities of identity, such as perfection vs. imperfection, and  appearance vs. reality, which reflect his philosophical and introspective nature. His transition from  wooden to metal sculptures demonstrates his innovative spirit and adaptability. Dalpra’s critique of  the commercialization of the art world, as seen in his “bag sculptures,” highlights his sharp  observations and critical yet witty approach. His consistent thematic exploration of the tension  between natural and artificial forms gives his work a coherent narrative. Furthermore, the emotional  depth in his work, shaped by personal experiences, adds a poignant layer, making his art both  visually and emotionally engaging. 

 

2022-2024 :  

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Dalpra’s work from 2022-2024 continued to explore identity, perfection, and imperfection,  particularly highlighted in his In Flux exhibition at Galerie Rodler Gschwenter. His ability to  critique the commercialization of the art world using wit and irony remained prominent, and his  material innovation and focus on surface aesthetics were key elements of this period. 

 

Observations on Character through Artwork 

 

Dalpra's ability to incorporate diverse cultural elements into his work shows a deep respect and  curiosity for different traditions. His synthesis of Maori symbols, Far Eastern aesthetics, and  Western art traditions highlights his open-mindedness and willingness to learn from the world 

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around him. His exploration of identity through skin and tattoos suggests a reflective nature, with a  deep interest in the complexities of human existence. Dalpra’s focus on the dualities of perfection  and imperfection indicates a philosophical approach to life and art. 

Dalpra’s transition from wood to metal, and his experimentation with different finishes, demonstrate  a character that embraces change and seeks continuous improvement. His meticulous craftsmanship 

reflects a high level of discipline and dedication to his art. 

 

2022-2024 :  

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From 2022 to 2024, Dalpra’s character remained evident in his exploration of philosophical  themes such as identity and societal constructs. His collaboration on the film Project D showed  his ability to work across multiple mediums while maintaining his focus on introspective themes.  His use of humor and irony continued to critique the commercialization of art, reflecting his  sharp, observant nature. 

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Summary of Character Reflected in Artwork 

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Mario Dalpra’s artwork reflects a character that is culturally curious, philosophical, and  introspective. His discipline and innovative spirit are evident in his material choices and  craftsmanship. He is critical and witty, using humor to engage with serious critiques of the art  world. Thoughtful and consistent in his thematic explorations, Dalpra is also resilient and  empathetic, channeling personal experiences into his work. His confident and balanced approach to  visual impact, combined with a dynamic, forward-looking mindset, shows a character that respects  tradition while being progressive and versatile. Overall, Dalpra’s work portrays him as a deeply  reflective, innovative, and adaptable artist, always seeking to challenge both himself and the world  around him. 

 

Key Turning Points in Career

 

• 1982: Studied under Arnulf Rainer 

•  Late 1980s: Transitioned from abstract expressionism to sculpture 

• 1989-1996: Lived in Australia, influenced by Maori culture 

• 2010: Creation of wooden sculptures with expressionistic-archaic features • 2011: Shift to bronze and aluminum sculptures 

• 2016: Introduction of "bag sculptures" as a critique of the art market 

• 2022-2024: Participation in Art Austria, Art Karlsruhe, and Volta Art Fair, along with a  collaboration with Matthias Hauer on the film Project D, marked a significant expansion  into multimedia, deepening his exploration of identity and perfection. 

 

Artistic Evolution 

 

Dalpra’s artistic evolution reflects a character that is dynamic and restless, always seeking new  challenges. His willingness to experiment and evolve shows a proactive and forward-looking  mindset. While he engages with traditional forms and techniques, Dalpra does so with a modern  twist, reflecting a character that values the past but is not bound by it. This engagement shows  respect for history while also pushing its boundaries. Dalpra’s interdisciplinary approach to art,  blending drawing, sculpture, and conceptual art, indicates a versatile and adaptable character. He is  not confined by traditional boundaries, reflecting a flexible and creative mindset.

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2022-2024 :  

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Dalpra’s artistic evolution during 2022-2024 was marked by his expansion into multimedia with  the film Project D, while maintaining his commitment to sculpture and painting. His exhibitions,  such as In Flux at Galerie Rodler Gschwenter, demonstrated his ongoing exploration of identity,  perfection, and material innovation. His work during this period showcases his dynamic and  forward-thinking approach. 

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Career Highlights  

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• 1982: Studied under the maestro Arnulf Rainer, developing an early interest in overpainting  techniques. 

• 1989-1996: Spent seven years in Australia, where the Maori culture and its tattoo symbols  significantly influenced his artistic output. 

•  Late 1980s: Transitioned from abstract expressionism to sculpture, focusing on taming  metal. 

•  2010: Created a series of wooden sculptures with expressionistic-archaic features, reflecting  his travels in Indonesia and India. 

• 2011: Shifted from wooden sculptures to creating softer, more fluid bronze and aluminum  sculptures, incorporating glossy and polished finishes inspired by his travels. • 2011: Introduced "bag sculptures" as a critique of the art scene, blending irony and humor  with statements about artistic freedom and the art market. 

• 2002-2004: His paintings and drawings were characterized by immediate gestural styles,  heavily influenced by graffiti and other cultural travels. 

• 2007-2011: Developed paintings with stylized figures, predominantly female, influenced by  Indian and Western cultural elements. 

• 2016: Began creating tattooed sculptures, exploring the concept of identity and the  perfection of surfaces through the application of tattoos on bronze sculptures. • 2022-2024: Exhibited in major international art fairs such as Art Austria, Art Karlsruhe,  and Volta Art Fair in Basel, while also collaborating on the film Project D with Matthias  Hauer, marking his expansion into multimedia and further exploring identity and surface  perfection. 

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Career Timeline

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• ​1982 : Studied under Arnulf Rainer in the field of overpainting.

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• 1989-1996 : Lived in Australia, influenced by Maori tattoo culture.

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• Late 1980s : Transitioned to sculpture, focusing on metalwork.

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• 2010 : Created wooden sculptures with expressionistic-archaic features.

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• 2011 : Shifted to bronze and aluminum sculptures, incorporating influences from his travels.

 

• ​2011 : Introduced "bag sculptures" critiquing the art scene.

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• 2002-2004 : Created paintings and drawings with gestural styles.

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• 2007-2011 : Developed stylized paintings influenced by Indian and Western cultures.

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• 2016 : Started creating tattooed sculptures exploring identity and surface perfection.

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• 2022-2024 : Participated in Art Austria, Art Karlsruhe, Volta Art Fair, and collaborated on  Project D, marking his expansion into multimedia work.​