Linz artist legend Helmuth Gsöllpointner died at the age of 91

Linz artist legend Helmuth Gsöllpointner died at the age of 91

Linz, Österreich - On June 3, 2025, Helmuth Gsöllpointner, a formative personality of the Austrian art scene, died at the age of 91. The art university Linz, on which he worked for many years, announced his death and honored the numerous contributions he made to develop art and design. Gsöllpointner was not only a sculptor and designer, but also a curator and long -time rector of the art university, where he steered the fortunes from 1977 to 1981.

his artistic career began at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, followed by an important career that led him to Voest in Linz from the mid -1950s. There he founded a department for metal plastic, where he interpreted steel not only as an industrial product, but also as a medium of artistic expression. Gsöllpointner knew how to combine material control with aesthetic claim, which shaped his early works, which were often used as gifts and were shown in various exhibitions.

influential projects and exhibitions

In the 1970s, Gsöllpointner initiated the "variable objects", a series of modular sculptures that could be moved along precise cut lines. This innovative idea set new standards in sculptural design. In addition, he was active and curated decisive formats such as the Forum Metall and the Forum Design, which brought many important international artists, including Donald Judd, to Linz and shaped the cityscape along the Danube.

From 1973 to 2001, Gsöllpointner conveyed his extensive knowledge at the Linz University of Art. His critical commitment and political views were particularly expressed when he rejected the great golden honorary sign of the Republic in protest against the federal government in 2000. He received an honorary doctorate for his merits in 2013 and was appointed an honorary member in 2022. A room in the university library today bears its name.

legacy and last works

gsöllpointner's life's work was not only recognized by numerous honors, but also by large exhibitions, such as those who were dedicated to him in 2003 in the MAK and 2023 in the Linz Castle Museum on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Despite health restrictions, especially in his visual performance, he worked until the end of the "Stauma" plant series, which was presented in Vienna in 2024.

his commitment and his vision have shaped Linz as an innovation center for art and design. Gsöllpointner's influence will continue in the artistic and academic circles far beyond his time at the art university. The Linz University of Art also remains a place of artistic research and innovation, where the traditions that Gsöllpointner has shaped, for example through close cooperation with international research networks.

5min.at reports not only as an artist, but also as a teacher, mentor and critical head. His life's work and its achievements will continue to be inspiration for many artists.

For more information about how artistic research is encouraged and what it is important to be in the academic world, referred to the website of the KunstUniversität Linz . This institution has set itself the task of promoting artistic work as well as the exchange and cooperation in art research.