Stefan F. Jausz

Born on July 6, 1965, in Klagenfurt, Austria, Stefan F. Jausz pursued an education in the humanities, completing a linguistic high school in Klagenfurt in 1983. His early career was marked by a passion for photography, leading to several exhibitions in his hometown from 1980 to 1986. While developing his artistic interests, he also focused on business, obtaining a PhD in Business Administration from universities in Vienna and Milan between 1984 and 1994. Following his academic achievements, he took on leadership roles, serving as Managing Director for companies across Austria, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland from 1994 to 2020. Despite his business career, Stefan F. Jausz remained committed to his artistic growth, taking autodidactic drawing classes with prominent contemporary Austrian artists. His exhibition history includes a number of significant shows both in Austria and Italy. In July 2020, he held a solo exhibition titled “Garage Inc.” at his own studio in Klagenfurt. Later, he participated in group exhibitions, such as “L’arte della propria ragion d’essere” in Scicli, Italy (July to October 2021), and “Le vie dell’immaginario” in Modica, Italy (August to October 2021). In 2022, he had a solo exhibition titled “Per aspera ad astra” at the Kraigherhaus in Feistritz/Rosental, Austria, running from May to September. During the same period, he also worked on a wall painting titled “Crocefissione” at Kraigherhaus, which remains on display since September 2022. His work continued to gain attention with a solo exhibition, “Il Canto della Vita,” held at the Galeria Arte Club of Franco Cappadonna in Catania, Italy, from June to August 2023. Looking ahead, Stefan F. Jausz will present a performance wall painting during the “Long Night of the Churches in Austria” in June 2024, titled “Wasser und Geist,” at the Evangelische Johanneskirche in Klagenfurt. Additionally, in March and April 2024, he will exhibit “In der Stille der Zeit…” at the Superintendentur Protestant Church of Carinthia in Villach. From January to June 2024, he will also undertake a public art project, “RIP AAG Völkermarkt,” which involves the installation and wrapping of public monuments in Völkermarkt, Austria. His final exhibition of 2024 will be “Nel Silenzio del Tempo” at the Galeria Maison D’Art in Padova, Italy, in November. Stefan Jausz’s artistic approach reveals a profound connection with both the external world and his inner realm, yet at times, his work seems to lean too heavily on abstraction, risking the alienation of viewers who seek immediate engagement with the subject matter. While his ability to transform silence into an eloquent visual language is acknowledged, there are moments when this silence can feel overwhelmingly impenetrable, as if his work is intentionally detached from the viewer’s emotional immediacy. In his intricate and sometimes esoteric compositions, the delicate balance between abstraction and figuration can appear overly intellectualized, making it difficult for some to connect with the essence of his pieces on a more visceral level. Jausz’s oeuvre often explores the tension between order and chaos, yet it’s not always clear whether his abstract compositions are meant to evoke clarity or to cloud our understanding further. His mastery of color and form undoubtedly reflects his deep knowledge of art history and his commitment to elevating his work beyond the constraints of conventional painting, yet there is a danger in this self-imposed isolation. While his works may serve as a mirror of our time, offering introspective insights, they sometimes leave the viewer feeling distanced from the raw emotional power that more direct forms of art can provide. Moreover, his rejection of traditional perspectives and his focus on non-perspective spaces may alienate those who appreciate art that engages more explicitly with the real world. In some ways, his art becomes an intellectual exercise in itself, leaving little room for personal interpretation or emotional resonance. It is not the openness of his compositions, but rather the deliberate obscurity of his vision that demands engagement—a demand that can feel somewhat burdensome to those seeking connection rather than contemplation. While Jausz’s works undeniably speak to those who possess a deep appreciation for the intellectual and conceptual aspects of art, they may not always succeed in reaching a wider audience who seeks a more immediate, emotional response. As much as his paintings are a sanctuary for some, they may also serve as a barrier to others, who are perhaps left questioning the deeper meaning behind the carefully orchestrated compositions and the abstraction that often overshadows the viewer’s own interpretation of the work.