Elke Krystufek

Elke Krystufek, born in Vienna in 1970, is renowned as one of the most autobiographical artists of our time. Living and working in her hometown, she employs a diverse range of media—photography, installations, cinema, sculpture, and painting—to narrate the intricacies of everyday life. Her work contrasts starkly with modern societal expectations, which often demand perfection. Krystufek captures moments that resonate with authenticity: the unadorned face upon waking, the casual attire worn while grocery shopping, or the mundane act of cleaning one’s home. For her, the beauty of life lies in its raw, unfiltered moments.

In her collection, there is a striking portrait that exemplifies this ethos, showcasing a painted face in close-up. She articulates her perspective on art and authenticity, stating, “The reality is that I come from painting, and I consider it more authentic than photography or performance; it's like a signature, difficult to forge. The ability to portray one’s own face is an unusual skill; most people struggle to even look at themselves in the mirror. When I paint, the gaze is true, authentic, as I strive to decode emotions. However, anything I produce—be it photographs or performances—wouldn't work without a fundamental pictorial idea. Even the way I stage the body is inherently pictorial.”

Krystufek’s work reflects her keen awareness of the complexities of identity and self-perception, challenging viewers to reconsider societal norms surrounding beauty and authenticity. Her exploration of the intimate and often overlooked moments of life invites a deeper understanding of the human experience, making her contributions to contemporary art both significant and resonant.