Hermann Nitsch

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Hermann Nitsch (b. 1938) is an Austrian artist who works in experimental and multimedia modes. He is associated with the Vienna Actionists, and like them conceives of his art outside traditional categories of genre.

In the 1950s, Nitsch conceived of the Orgien Mysterien Theater (which roughly translates as Theatre of Orgies and Mysteries), staging nearly 100 performances between the years of 1962 and 1998. These ritualistic performance actions, often included staged crucifixions and animal slaughter, incorporating other ritualistic actions as well as music and dance.

In 1998, Nitsch staged his 100th performance (named the 6-Day Play after its length) which took place at his castle in Austria, Schloss Prinzendorf. In 2004, he held an abbreviated (2-day) version of the work. He continues to publish articles and release CDs.

[edit] External links

• Hermann Nitsch's Homepage - (in German)
• Hermann Nitsch: the artist as a high priest?
• The Saatchi Gallery - Hermann Nitsch, Gallery In London with images, information, text and biography about Hermann Nitsch
• 'Breaking Out of the Reality Asylum..' Paul Sakoilsky, essay on Nitsch/Actionism '98
• [http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/contemporary-art/nitsch.htm 'At the end one always has Being', Nitsch in conversation, the morning after the 6-day play, '98. Paul Sakoilsky
• [http://paulsakoilsky.omweb.org/modules/sections/index.php?op=viewarticle&artid=27 'The School of Being - Nitsch in conversation, the morning after the 2-day play (120th aktion), 2004, Schloss Prinzendorf.