Petra Traxler-Pilgram
Petra Traxler-Pilgram was born in Villach in 1966 and embarked on her artistic journey following her studies in philosophy, psychology, and history in Vienna (1986–1993). She honed her artistic skills through numerous courses in painting and graphic arts, studying under academic artists. Since 2017, she has worked as a freelance artist, establishing her own studio, PTP. Traxler-Pilgram divides her time between Lower Austria, Vienna, and Carinthia, where she lives and works.
As a member of IG Bildende Kunst and the Professional Association of Austrian Visual Artists, Traxler-Pilgram has made a significant impact both regionally and nationally. Her works transcend mere visual representation—they are profound, intellectual dialogues that challenge viewers, inviting them to reflect and engage deeply.
Exhibitions
Philosophy
Petra Traxler-Pilgram masterfully combines intellectual depth with emotional expressiveness in her art. Her striking black-and-white paintings serve as a medium through which she explores the realms of thought, evoking profound associations. She creates spaces for individual mental explorations where philosophy and art, image and word, emotion and intellect converge in harmony. These interactions invite viewers on an exploratory journey, where lightness and gravity, seriousness and humor engage in a dynamic and thought-provoking dialogue.
The influences of C.G. Jung and Franz Čižek are deeply embedded in Traxler-Pilgram's work. Jung's concept of the collective unconscious underpins her art, reflected in archetypal imagery and rich mythological symbolism. Her exploration of the complex and often shadowy dimensions of the human psyche is both a central theme and a driving force of her practice. She delves into shadow worlds and existential pathways, embracing the insight that "man is not enlightened by imagining light, but by becoming aware of darkness."
In her work, Traxler-Pilgram illuminates the tensions between consciousness and the unconscious, social norms and individual freedom. Her "moving figures," inspired by Franz Čižek and Viennese Kinetism, serve as vivid metaphors for inner conflicts and societal roles. These figures often seem to "gallop," providing rich opportunities for interpretation that balance humor with profound reflection. Through her intense engagement with archetypes and her striking visual language, Traxler-Pilgram challenges viewers to confront and question the hidden truths of their own existence.
Her distinctive signature style is a testament to her unwavering commitment to exploring the depths of human nature. Her works express a deep desire to capture life's complexity and the multilayered nature of human relationships. By embracing an interdisciplinary approach, she transcends the purely visual, crafting a stage for dialogue and introspection. In her art, the tension between light and darkness, the visible and the invisible, is brought to life in a hauntingly evocative way—inviting us to question and redefine our perceptions.
Statement
Petra Traxler-Pilgram embodies the captivating interplay of lightness and depth in art. As an introverted and empathetic artist, she harmonizes elements often considered incompatible: the philosophical questions embedded in her work, the clarity of her painting, and a deep awareness of historical contexts. Her curiosity and interconnected way of thinking imbue her creations with a unique dimension—both stylistically refined and profoundly thoughtful.
Through her quiet presence, she speaks volumes, presenting complex themes in a way that invites viewers to both reflect and feel. Traxler-Pilgram’s art is a manifestation of her inner world and an open invitation to explore one’s own thoughts and emotions in new and unexpected contexts.
