Characteristics and CV

Petra Traxler-Pilgram, born in Villach in 1966, impressively combines intellectual depth with artistic expressiveness in her art, strongly influenced by the theories of C.G. Jung and Franz Čižek. After studying philosophy, psychology and history in Vienna and undergoing intensive training in painting and graphic design, she established herself as an independent artist in 2017 and opened her studio. Her striking black and white paintings explore the dark and complex facets of the human psyche and society.

C.G. Jung's concept of the collective unconscious, which states that archetypal images and experiences are passed down through generations, forms the foundation of Traxler-Pilgram's artistic work. Her works are imbued with deep mythological symbolism and focus on shadow worlds, landscapes of the soul and existential paths. The quote from Jung, "Man is not enlightened by imagining light, but by becoming aware of darkness", summarizes the essence of her art: the examination of the light and darkness of human existence, embedded in the microcosm of everyday life and the whisper of nature.

Traxler-Pilgram interweaves different dimensions in her works and illuminates the tensions between the conscious and the unconscious, social norms and individual freedom. Her "moving figures", inspired by Franz Čižek and Viennese Kinetism, function not only as visual representations, but also as living metaphors for inner conflicts and social role models. These figures often "gallop" and thus offer a rich space for interpretation that includes both humorous and profound reflections. Through her intense exploration of archetypes and her powerful visual language, Traxler-Pilgram challenges her viewers to explore and question the hidden truths of their own existence.

In the BURN-IN exhibition "UNVERBLÜMT", Traxler-Pilgram shows this profound reflection in a haunting way. Her works, some of which deal with stereotypes and prejudices, challenge the viewer to confront unpleasant truths and take a blunt look at reality. Through her visually stunning and intellectually stimulating art, she succeeds in making the invisible visible and encouraging an engaged audience to engage in self-reflection.