Linz mourns Helmuth Gsöllpointner: art visionary passes away

Linz mourns Helmuth Gsöllpointner: art visionary passes away

On June 3, 2025, the renowned metal sculptor and designer Helmuth Gsöllpointner died at the age of 91. He leaves behind an important life's work that shaped not only the Linz art scene, but also the Linz University of Art over several decades. As professor and rector of the University of Art and Industrial Design Linz, Gsöllpointner was a central figure in the Austrian art and design landscape. Loud crown He made a significant contribution to Linz's reputation as an innovation center.

His time studying at the Vienna University of Applied Sciences paved the way for a successful career. At voestalpine he learned casting processes and developed his own casting techniques, which soon became his artistic trademark. By leading the master class for metal at the Linz University of Art from 1973 to 2002, he laid the foundation for numerous artistic careers. From 1977 to 1981 he was also rector of the institution, which became a university in 1973 and now has over 1,600 students, including a large number of female students ( Wikipedia ).

Art and innovation combined

Gsöllpointner became known through the Forum Metall, a sculpture park in Linz's Donaupark. His artistic work included numerous innovative projects, including “Telescopic Sculptures” and “Variable Objects,” which integrated various elements of movement. These works can be found not only in Donaupark, but also in many other public places in Linz, such as on the Mühlkreisautobahn and in the University Park. Loud courier Gsöllpointner left a lasting impression on the cityscape.

Another important contribution was the fountain at the Bruckner University and a war memorial at Bindermichl, which bear witness to his ability to create art in public spaces. His engagements as a curator led to important international artists, such as Donald Judd, implementing projects in Linz and making the city an important place for exchange in contemporary art.

Appreciation and legacy

The rector of the Linz University of Art, Brigitte Hütter, expressed her sadness at the loss and praised Gsöllpointner as a fearless visionary and valued rector. In 2013 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the university, and even after his retirement from active teaching he continued to work as an artist. Despite health restrictions in his final years, Gsöllpointner remained creative and presented a new series of works called “Stabräume” in Vienna in 2024.

His legacy is carried on through several honors, including the naming of a room in the university library after him. Gsöllpointner's influence on the Linz art scene and his innovative nature will continue to be felt in the city, which valued him as a creative mind.