Markus Prachensky

Markus Prachensky (born 21 March 1932, Innsbruck – died 2011, Vienna) was a prominent Austrian artist known for his contributions to Informel. He studied architecture and painting in Vienna and co-founded the influential 'Galerie nächst St. Stephan' in 1956. Prachensky's early works followed a geometric style, but from the 1960s onwards, his art evolved towards an expressive tachist approach. He lived and worked in various cities, including Paris, Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, before returning to Vienna. Prachensky was deeply inspired by Mediterranean landscapes and the colours of Italy, which influenced his later works. He received numerous awards, including the Medal of Honour from the City of Vienna in 1992, and his works have been showcased in major retrospectives and collections worldwide.