Michaela Litzka and Sarah Montani at Swissartexpo 2023

In the latest work from the avant-garde series "Neon meets Black," a masterpiece of acrylic mixed media is presented to the discerning eye. The palette shines with an expressive selection of tones, particularly the vibrant pink, sensual lava red, and shimmering neon orange, which stand in remarkable contrast to the deep, impenetrable black. This interplay not only evokes an expressiveness reminiscent of the raw, eruptive energy of a volcano but also exudes an effervescent dynamism.

The artist, in her tireless pursuit of innovation and expression, has chosen a captivating combination of contrasts to create a visually rich tableau that captivates in both color and form. However, the art does not confine itself solely to the traditional two-dimensional realm: Through the sophisticated integration of augmented reality, the artwork is subtly transcended into a metaspheric spherical form, bestowing upon it an unforeseen dimension. This multidimensional approach deepens the immersion and invites observers to become not just witnesses but participants in this artistic experience.

Michaela Litzka underwent an intense creative phase in 2017, during which the first two works emerged, conceived in augmented reality by digital artist Sarah Montani. The latest works were created in spring and summer 2023, constituting a collection of five pieces with dimensions of 100 x 140 cm. These creations took shape within the confines of the Art Factory Vienna.

Painting serves as a soothing complement to her daily professional activities, where management and organization take turns, as Litzka explains in an interview. "I find myself in an art factory surrounded by art, but my daily work has little to do with art. The devotion to painting is something entirely different: It's like the eruption of a volcano, an inner force of self-expression." Litzka learned civil engineering, her designs were in 2D on paper, and from there emerged 3D structures. The process here is similar, working with paint and canvas while Sarah Montani transforms them into 3D sculptures. The difference lies in the fact that the drawn building was anchored to a fixed location, whereas the sculptures can be carried anywhere. "It's fascinating to move within the work itself – even the interior of the sculpture is imbued with intense colors – it feels surreal and yet almost more real than many of our everyday experiences," Litzka comments.

Litzka draws strong inspiration from the colors of nature – from gentle pastel tones to tranquility emanating from flowers, and then mountains that transform back into fire and strength. She is inspired by the contrasts found in nature, such as volcanoes simmering quietly before erupting in a powerful display of natural force.

Litzka also works as a sculptor. Currently, she is considering having the 3D sculptures printed and then continuing to work on them. She is presently engaged in various sculpture projects, including using styrofoam and wire. In previous phases of creation, she used clay processed through smoke firing. This imparted smoky markings to the sculptures, and with the use of copper sulfate, she achieved a beautiful shade of red.

Her works and those of Sarah Montani will be exhibited at the Swissartexpo in Zurich, held from September 6th to 10th at the SBB Event Hall.