Between the worlds
2024, acryl aon canvas, 160 x 130 cm
1960 * in Feldkirch, Vorarlberg
1982 Studies with Arnulf Rainer
Transition from abstract expressionism to sculpture at the end of the 1980s
1989-1996 Lives in Australia, influenced by Maori culture
2010 Creation of wooden sculptures with expressionist-archaic features
2011 Switch to bronze and aluminium sculptures
2016 Introduction of ‘bag sculptures’ as a critique of the art market
2022-2024 Participation in Art Austria, Art Karlsruhe and the Volta Art Fair in Basel
as well as a collaboration with Matthias Hauer for the film Project D.
His works are represented in collections such as the Museum Liaunig, the Museum Angerlehner and the LENTOS.
DALPRA's art is a unique synthesis of various cultural influences, from Maori tattoos to Far Eastern aesthetics. He addresses dualities such as perfection vs. imperfection and appearance vs. reality, reflecting his philosophical and introspective nature. The transition from wood to metal sculptures shows his innovative spirit. With his ‘bag sculptures’ he criticises the commercialisation of the art world. His work consistently deals with the tension between natural and artificial forms and has an emotional depth that is characterised by personal experience. Dalpra integrates cultural elements with respect and curiosity and demonstrates a philosophical attitude towards life and art.
Mario Dalpras' paintings are a lively dance of colors and shapes that defy easy categorization.
Bold, confident brushstrokes cut through the canvas, defining boundaries and guiding movement. These lines do not constrict, but guide the viewer through the visual narrative Dalpra constructs. The lines are whimsical, meandering and playful or strict, creating contrasts and depth.
The application of paint varies from thick, textured layers to thin, almost translucent glazes.
The gestural quality of Dalpra's paintings suggests a kinship with the action painters of the mid-20th century, yet this work is clearly contemporary. Not content with copying models, he uses the language of abstract expressionism as a starting point for his own explorations.
Harmony of the Unknown
2023, Aluminium, unique piece, 183 x 97 x 69 cm
In the eye of chaos
2024, acrylic on canvas, 150 x 120 cm
Ausstellungen
- 2025: Gallery Gölles, Fürstenfeld, ‘Dalpra’
- 2024: Gallery Rodler Gschwenter, Art Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
- 2023: Galerie Gans, Art Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
- 2022: Gallery Gans Volta Art Fair, Basel, Switzerland
- 2021: Gallery Gans, Vienna, Austria
- 2020: Jedlitschka Gallery, Zurich, Switzerland: ‘Sculpture Garden’
- 2019: Galerie Artecont, Vienna, Austria: ‘Art and Antique’
- 2018: Gallery Gans, Vienna, Austria: ‘Back home’
- 2017: Hametner Gallery, Stoob, Austria
- 2016: Gallery Gans, Vienna, Austria
- 2015: Gallery Gans, Vienna, Austria
- 2015: Antikhof Figl, Plankenberg, Austria: ‘Paintings and sculptures’
- 2014: Art Bodensee, Dornbirn, Austria
- 2013: Lisabird Contemporary, Artpark Villa Bulfon, Velden am Wörthersee, Austria
- 2011: Barockschlössel Mistelbach, Kunstverein Mistelbach, Austria: ‘The flash’
- 2010: Galerie Wild, Frankfurt/Zurich, Germany/Switzerland: ‘Large bronze sculptures and paintings’
- 2009: Galerie Apostelhof, Vienna, Austria: ‘The Football Installation’
- 2008: MEL ART art fair, Shanghai, China: ‘Paintings’
- 2006: Gallery Apostelhof, Vienna, Austria: ‘India Rave’
- 2005: Kapsch Award, Vienna, Austria: ‘Paintings’
- 2001: Hametner Gallery, Stoob, Austria: ‘Drawings from India’
- 2000: Galerie Vogelhofer, Schwertberg, Austria: ‘Drawings and paintings’
- 1999: Galerie im Turm, Berlin, Germany: ‘Sculptures and paintings’
- 1998: Galerie Burch & Klemm, Berlin, Germany: ‘Process of thinking’
- 1997: Centro de Arte Helio Otticica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; ‘The mindbox’
- 1996: Künstlerhaus Thurn & Taxis, Bregenz, Austria: ‘Paintings and drawings’
- 1995: Paul Greenaway Art Gallery, Adelaide, Australia: ‘My dream got lost’
- 1994: Christopher Leonard Gallery, New York, USA: ‘The Los Angeles drawings’
- 1993: Gallery 3, Klagenfurt, Austria: ‘Deep diving’
- 1992: Bunkamura Gallery, Tokyo, Japan: ‘Sushi mushi’
- 1991: Sherman Galleries, Sydney, Australia: ‘In between’
- 1990: Irving Galleries, Sydney, Australia: ‘I was trying to escape’
- 1989: Neue Galerie, Elisabeth Schaumberger, Vienna, Austria: ‘My first time’
- 1987: Galerie Eva Poll, Berlin, Germany: ‘I had to finish it’
- 1986: Gallery Tangente, Liechtenstein: ‘Inside Outside’