Josef Mikl

Biography

Josef Mikl belongs to the post-war generation of Austrian artists who revolutionized the local art world by turning away from representational painting and creating an independent abstract pictorial world. Born in Vienna in 1929, he attended the Academy of Fine Arts along with Wolfgang Hollegha, Markus Prachensky and Arnulf Rainer. Soon the four young artists established the St. Stephan Group, named after the eponymous gallery run by Otto Mauer. This art-minded Monsignore supported and promoted many promising young artists. As early as 1968 Mikl represented Austria at the Biennale in Venice. In 1969, Mikl was appointed professor of painting to teach master classes at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. His work was presented in numerous national and international exhibitions and today his paintings are featured in many renowned collections and museums. His large-format works are of particular significance. In 1994, Josef Mikl was entrusted with the renovation of the Redouten Hall in Vienna after its destruction by fire. Today, the large ceiling painting and 22 murals bear witness to the artist’s national and international recognition.