Heidemaria Abfalterer Artist Catalog | Agora Gallery

HEIDEMARIA ABFALTERER

530 West 25th Street, New York, NY

Heidemaria Abfalterer’s works of collage confront the viewer with bold statements reflecting the impressions of the artist. Having worked as a newspaper archivist for her first job, Abfalterer found inspiration in the images discarded with impunity on a daily basis — she began collecting and arranging them, creating her own signature pieces. Beginning with an aesthetic approach, Abfalterer’s process starts with the newsprint images on top of which she layers paint and critical statements.

In Why Me various faces in print stare out from their newsprinted trammels, the statement “Why me…” scrawled across in neatly swooping white acrylic paint. No Way Back is a statement on technological advances (in several layers — the obsolescence of the printed newspaper she uses to create her images becomes commentary on its own), featuring analog appliances, accouterments, and functions of yore. Her oeuvre demonstrates a clear commitment to freedom of speech, the press as well as a dedication to a simpler existence before the technological advancements of the last couple decades. Abfalterer hopes to effect positive change with her art as well as in her life where she works as a copywriter and high school administrator.

Abfalterer lives and works near Innsbruck, Austria.

HEIDEMARIA ABFALTERER ON

My choice of medium was born out of my first occupation in a newspaper archive. As we cataloged the papers, we were left with piles of them to throw out at the end of the day. I loved the beautiful photos I saw on the discarded pages and I started to collect them. In my work I collage newspapers on canvas and wood panels, which I finish off with a layer of acrylic paint and a lettering statement channeling my daily impressions and fears. Each piece brings attention to a topic that is dear to me, such as climate change, greed, and immigration, while preserving the value of the printed word, which risks disappearing in this digital age. My work upholds the importance of free expression and carries the message that it’s never too late to turn things around for the better.

ORIGINAL HEIDEMARIA ABFALTERER ARTWORKS ON

For inquiries, sales@agora-gallery.com