Discover the Art of Hilmar Gottesthal
Gottesthal’s painting blends earthy tones with fluid, dripping forms, creating a surreal, dreamlike composition. A checkered floor contrasts with organic shapes, evoking tension between structure and chaos. The work reflects themes of transience and the passage of time, capturing a haunting yet resilient atmosphere in abstract visual language.
For the past several decades, Gottesthal has toiled in relative obscurity in his mountaintop studio in Western Maryland. Living atop a serene mountain, he has immersed himself in his work, drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings and the tranquility of his remote sanctuary. This seclusion has allowed him to cultivate a profound and introspective artistic practice, resulting in a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Early contributions to art history
After graduating in 1966 from the University of Vienna and the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts with the two highest art awards, Gottesthal's interest in Byzantine art took him to Istanbul, Turkey and Stomion, Greece. In 1968 Nancy Hanks; later Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, invited Gottesthal to Rockefeller Center, NY for his first American show. During the 1970’s he showed his work throughout Europe including London, Vienna, Hamburg, and Paris where he met and had dinner with Salvador Dali who admired his work.
In 1992, following a retrospective of his work at the National Museum in Ankara, Gottesthal was awarded a medal for his cultural contribution to Turkey. June 2011, he returned to Vienna, Austria where the cultural attaché of the American Embassy opened his three-week exhibition in the historic village of Gumpoldskirchen.
The Journey Home is a documentary film by Director Desmond Denton featuring the hopes and the challenges of families with young kids moving to USA. This story is created to share the real stories of immigration through the eyes of children. The kids and their parents negotiate their experiences, hopes, fears and the universal thread that connects their stories. We invite you to be part of their journey and follow their brave little footsteps.
Reviews
"Watching these families share their stories of starting fresh in a new country reminded me of my own struggles to find belonging. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter where we go, we carry our roots with us."
Desmond Denton
Desmond Denton is an award winning filmmaker who walks with a strong vision of creativity on the one hand and the practical execution of it on the other; it’s where fantasy meets reality. Desmond is a South African born filmmaker currently residing in Frostburg, Maryland.
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