The “Homo ästheticus” of the Austrian art scene is moving some of his works to Wiener Neustadt.

WIENER NEUSTADT. He already has a gallery on Vienna’s Kurrentgasse, but now Jean-Pierre von Baksa is moving to the Allzeit Getreue. The painter, photographer, object artist and inventor has opened the Collectors Art Club gallery on Brodtischgasse.
BEZIRKSBLÄTTER. What brought you, a world-renowned artist and citizen of the world, to Wiener Neustadt?
BAKSA: True to the motto: if people won’t come to me, I’ll go to them, I also want to introduce the people of Wiener Neustadt and the region to my art. I’ve always had Brodtischgasse in the back of my mind. I want to breathe new life into Brodtischgasse as one of the oldest alleyways in Wiener Neustadt’s old town – along with its history and the fate of the now-defunct trades and crafts, such as Stich Schokoladen, that once resided there.
How were you received in Wiener Neustadt?
There was great joy in the neighbourhood and among the local residents. What I felt was missing, however, was support from the city of Wiener Neustadt. There was absolutely nothing from them. I haven’t even received a single call back to this day. But please don’t get me wrong. I don’t place any value on politicians, and certainly not on them giving speeches at my exhibitions.
Do you feel that the city of Wiener Neustadt has not welcomed and honoured you as you deserve? After all, you have already been awarded prizes and honorary titles.
It is often the case that a prophet is not valued in his own country. My career really only took off abroad. When I went to the USA in the early 1970s, good contacts opened many doors for me. I can say that everyone who won an Oscar® in 1972 also owns an original Baksa. That trip broadened my horizons and my wallet. In Austria, the Albertina’s purchase of one of my paintings in 1971 brought me my first recognition.
How did your artistic career begin?
My family taught me a great deal and sharpened my interest in art. Whilst my mother’s family were a true family of doctors, my father’s family were fully on the side of art. In the end, I dropped out of medical school and devoted myself to art.
You also studied under Pablo Picasso. How did that come about?
My family sent me to Paris to learn French. There, I was banished to the countryside. Straight to Picasso. My parents’ friends were friends with Picasso. I stayed with him at his château and enjoyed every single moment. I got to know an unconventional man. He lived for freedom. He is my role model when it comes to painting. In photography, it’s Helmut Newton. He is the greatest nude photographer of all time.
You know the greats. Why have you had a house at the foot of the Rosalia for years?
I came to the area through my wife Maria. I’ve been living here since 2005. It’s simply a dream. From my bed, I can see the Schneeberg and the Hohe Wand. The closeness to nature and the human touch away from the big cities calm me. I’m in Vienna several times a week, in Munich once a week and in Paris once a week. It’s a lovely place to retreat to.

Link article: MeinBezirk

Article by Bianca Werfring.