Raummalerei - Spatial painting: Analytischer Secessionismus 1900-1910

The publication Raummalerei – Spatial Painting: Analytical Secessionism 1900–1910 explores a pivotal moment in Viennese modernism, focusing on the emergence of a holistic approach to spatial design at

the intersection of painting, architecture, and applied arts. Originally published on the occasion of an exhibition at Galerie Metropol in 1987, the volume examines the ambitions of a group of artists—centered around architect Josef Hoffmann—who sought to integrate pictorial elements directly into architectural environments.

At the heart of the book is the concept of “analytical spatial painting,” which aimed to dissolve the boundaries between surface and structure by incorporating compositional logic into spatial design. The publication presents sketches, studies, and completed works, including wall paintings, furniture ensembles, and ornamental objects, all exemplifying a progression from decorative flatness toward structural articulation.

Combining historical context with close formal analysis, this volume offers a substantial contribution to the study of early 20th-century artistic innovation in Vienna. The bilingual edition (German/English) emphasizes the international relevance of Secessionist aesthetics and their enduring influence on interdisciplinary approaches to spatial practice.