Ernst Fuchs (1930–2015): Pioneer of Fantastic Realism

Ernst Fuchs was born on February 13, 1930 in Vienna, Austria. His father, Maximilian Fuchs, son of an orthodox Jewish family, had turned down a career as a Rabbi, leaving his theological studies uncompleted. He married Leopoldine, a Christian. When the Nazis occupied Austria in March 1938, Maximilian Fuchs emigrated to Shanghai. Ernst remained in Vienna together with his mother, but Nazi legislation made it illegal for Leopoldine to raise her son. Ernst was deported to a transit camp for children of mixed racial origin. Thereupon Leopoldine Fuchs agrees to a formal divorce from her husband, thus saving her son from the extermination camp.

• Early Life and Education: Ernst Fuchs’ artistic talent was undeniable, so his teacher decided to include extracurricular subjects like painting and sculpting in his education. He subsequently received tuition from Professor Fröhlich and the sculptress Emmy Steinböck. He entered the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna (1945) where he began his studies under professor Robin C. Anderson, later moving to the class of Albert Paris von Gütersloh.
• Influences: At the academy, Ernst Fuchs met Arik Brauer, Rudolf Hausner, Fritz Janschka, Wolfgang Hutter, and Anton Lehmden, together with whom he later founded what has become known as the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism. His idols were no lesser than Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt.
• The Vienna School of Fantastic Realism: Fuchs’ artistic education began at the St Anna Painting School in his hometown of Vienna. Here, he was taught by Fritz Fröhlich (1910-2001), a surrealist much inspired by Pablo Picasso. This must have sown the seeds of the surreal in Fuch’s mind.
• Career Highlights: Ernst Fuchs achieved his artistic breakthrough with his paintings of Lohengrin, and he was commissioned to decorate the Apocalypse Chapel in Klagenfurt. He collaborated with numerous prominent artists and designers, shaping the cultural landscape of Austria during the postwar era.

Technique and Style: Mischtechnik – The Jewel-Like Effect

Fuchs’ distinctive artistic style was characterized by “mischtechnik,” a technique combining egg tempera with oil paints mixed with resin. This method aimed to achieve the vivid lighting effects achieved by old masters like Albrecht Altdorfer, Albrecht Dürer, Matthias Grünewald and Martin Schongauer. He revived this technique, meticulously recreating the luminosity of Renaissance painting. Fuchs’ meticulous attention to detail and his masterful use of color created artworks that shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance.

• Egg Tempera: Egg tempera provides a durable base for painting, allowing for precise layering and blending of colors.
• Oil Paint Glaze: Oil paint glaze adds depth and luminosity to the artwork, enhancing its visual impact.
• Resin Mixture: Resin mixture ensures that the glaze adheres smoothly to the egg tempera surface, creating a seamless finish.

Religious Themes and Symbolism

Fuchs’ artistic vision was profoundly influenced by his Catholic faith and Jewish heritage. He explored themes of spirituality and mythology in his paintings, drawing inspiration from biblical narratives and ancient symbolism. His artworks conveyed profound messages about human existence and the divine realm. Fuchs' meticulous attention to detail and his masterful use of color created artworks that shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance.

Legacy and Recognition

Ernst Fuchs’ contribution to art history is undeniable. He established the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism, fostering a new artistic movement that challenged conventional notions of representation. His work continues to inspire artists and scholars alike, cementing his place as one of Austria's most important cultural figures. Fuchs was honored by the State Russian Museum in St Petersburg for his pioneering role in shaping modern art."