Esther Gschweitl

Esther Gschweitl [she/they] originally comes from Eastern Styria and has been living in Graz for several years. Their CV is highly unconventional, with a background ranging from upholsterer and decorator to social worker, they have a rich history of diverse activities.

Esther is a versatile artist who draws inspiration from a wide range of experiences, observations, and their powerful imagination. Even as a child, they loved to escape into daydreams, where they put their thoughts, fears, and wishes on paper. This creative inclination has stayed with them to this day, allowing them to immerse themselves in a world where they feel comfortable and can leave the here and now.

For Esther, art is much more than just the result of a creative process – it is a means to dream and dive into another reality. Their works are often playful and illusory, though darkness and melancholy are also repeatedly visible. Esther primarily paints and draws digitally, but also enjoys using traditional materials such as ink and pen. They are inspired by the world around them and integrate found objects into their artworks. As they walk through the streets, they collect treasures, fragments of beauty, to breathe new life into them. Old glass becomes a canvas, and everything the wind whispers to them becomes part of their creative cosmos.

In addition to visual art, Esther also dedicates herself to writing literary texts and poetry, often in conjunction with simple drawings. Some of their works have already been published in literary journals and art magazines. They can also be found at exhibitions, where they present their photographs, digital art, and poetry. Furthermore, they perform at readings and performances to introduce their written works to a broader audience. Esther follows their instinct and is inspired by what feels right in the moment. Their artistic expression is therefore extremely diverse and experimental, as they love to combine different media and techniques.