Harro Pirch has been inviting artists to Unterrabnitz for the Rabnitz Valley Painter Weeks for 54 years, turning the small town in the middle of Burgenland into an „international artist hotspot“ every summer, as emphasized by State Councillor Heinrich Dorner at the exhibition opening.
Art has bloomed again in the Rabnitz Valley in recent weeks, sometimes quite literally. The walls of the Turmhaus in Unterrabnitz are adorned with art this year, whether it’s the works of Dutch artist Mieke Verhaar, who integrated dried plants into her pieces, the floral paintings of Constanze Pirch, who used metal leaf to add ornamentation, or the watercolors of Gustav Just, who brought lilies to life with delicate brushstrokes. Visitors could witness these beautiful creations at the exhibition showcasing the works produced during the Painter Weeks.
During the two and a half weeks in Unterrabnitz, three international artists – Myoung-Bok Lee (South Korea), Mieke Verhaar (Netherlands), and Gretchen Batcheller (America) – worked alongside five regional artists – Harro Pirch, Constanze Pirch, Manfred Leirer, Gustav Just, and Daniel Bucur – as well as author Gerhard Altmann. They worked side by side, inspiring each other without getting in each other’s way. This same group of artists returned this year for a reason. Harro Pirch emphasized the importance of becoming a family, understanding each other, and being able to share feedback openly.
Each artist brought their unique perspective and style to the artworks. From Myoung Bok-Lee’s detailed views of South Korea in Burgenland to Manfred Leirer’s encaustic paintings of daily life using beeswax, the exhibition showcased a diverse range of artistic expressions. Landscapes, portraits, and sculptures filled the exhibition space, offering visitors a glimpse into the creative process of these talented individuals.
State Councillor Heinrich Dorner expressed his appreciation for the art and the effort put into organizing the event, highlighting the importance of art in expanding perspectives and encouraging viewers to see things from different angles. The exhibition was followed by a traditional gathering with wine from Weingut Strass and bread with lard.
The exhibition for the Rabnitz Valley Painter Weeks will remain open until August 10th, welcoming visitors on Thursdays to Sundays from 3 pm to 7 pm. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and creativity that bloomed in the Rabnitz Valley this summer.