Vienna mourns the death of the painter Hubert Schmalix: a creative legacy is fading

Vienna mourns the death of the painter Hubert Schmalix: a creative legacy is fading

On March 25, 2025, Hubert Schmalix's death was announced. The 72-year-old painter died in Los Angeles. His passing was announced by his family and caused considerable sadness in the art community. Schmalix was known for his expressive and intense colors and has had a formative influence on the Viennese art scene in recent decades. His works, which often shine in vibrant colors, were not only intended to be decorative, but also to evoke emotions and moods in the viewer.

In a statement, City Councilor for Culture Veronica Kaup-Hasler emphasized her sympathy for Schmalix's relatives, friends, former students and companions. She also paid tribute to his role as a professor at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, where he influenced an entire generation of artists. Loud presse.wien.gv.at Over the years, his work developed from the gestural expression of the “New Wild” to a controlled and structured form that is often contoured in a comic-like manner and reduced to colored shapes and surfaces.

Legacy of art

His most famous works include monumental works that currently cover one of the three pavilions on Vienna's Heldenplatz. These pavilions are part of this year's Steiermark Show, which can be seen until the end of March. In particular, a colorful tarpaulin printed with figures designed by Schmalix catches the eye. These figures, which are reminiscent of emojis, are formally reduced, but remain anchored in their characteristic, strongly contoured and colorful style. Information on this can be found at derStandard.at.

Schmalix’s work is reflected in an artistic context that is deeply rooted in Vienna. The city is home to artists such as Gustav Klimt, Friedensreich Hundertwasser and Egon Schiele. Vienna's contemporary art scene is made up of numerous exhibition halls, museums and galleries where works of both classical and modern artists can be found, such as in the Kunsthalle Wien and the Gabriele Senn Gallery. Loud supertravelr.com International collectors are increasingly interested in this dynamic scene.

With a rich legacy in the Viennese art landscape, Hubert Schmalix not only leaves behind a multitude of impressive paintings, but also the memory of a teacher and mentor who inspired many artists. His innovative approach to color and form will continue to be valued as a central part of the Vienna art scene.