Arnulf Rainer, known as the ‘Over-Painter,’ passed away at the age of 96.

His diverse body of work ranged from Surrealism to Informel and included some of the most famous overpainting pieces.

Laurenz Pöttinger, cultural spokesperson for the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), stated that the art world mourns Rainer, who celebrated his 96th birthday on December 8.

Rainer did not want his work to be interpreted; he said he tried to bring something known from history to life in the present.

Pöttinger described Rainer as one of Austria’s most significant artists, noting that some of his works were provocative and polarizing.

He extended his condolences to the grieving family and said that Rainer lives on through his magnificent works.

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