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The Art of Josta
Austrian artist JOSTA, originally from Vienna and shaped by a career in film and television, is developing a unique style within contemporary painting that combines expressionism with abstract art. His portraits of celebrities such as Woody Allen, Helmut Qualtinger, Marilyn Monroe, Elon Musk, and Hedy Lamarr feature thick layers of oil paint, often applied with a palette knife or broad brushstrokes, creating a relief-like texture. His works are characterized by a vibrant, high-contrast color palette—turquoise with red, yellow, green, pink, or violet—that captures the inner worlds of their subjects. Spontaneous splashes of color and dripping strokes lend his images a dynamic energy, inspired by his theater and film-drenched background.
JOSTA's style fits within contemporary art that has been revitalizing expressive and material techniques since the late 20th century, similar to the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Georg Baselitz, who deconstruct cultural icons. Unlike Basquiat, he relies on textured surfaces instead of graffiti, and unlike Baselitz, he avoids reversed perspectives. He draws parallels to Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning in his use of color as a means of expression, yet remains figurative and uses colorful, pop-cultural palettes, making his works more accessible.
JOSTA's works are characterized by contrasting colors that reflect emotional depth—like melancholy in Woody Allen or vision in Elon Musk—as well as by textured materiality that creates a tangible presence. His versatility, from portraits to charcoal works to car sketches, reflects his Viennese childhood and artistic passion. He combines traditional portraiture with modern abstraction, bridging the gap between classical and contemporary expression, and invites reflection on pop culture and identity.
A painting is a silent story waiting for the viewer to bring it to life with their own eyes and experiences.
JOSTA
Exhibition
Spirit And Soul
26th of September 2025 at The Stross Gallery
In collaboration with the artist Barbara Friehs and the Viennese painter Josta, the art exhibition "Spirit and Soul" will take place in the Stross Gallery from September 26th. The artists will present their current works. Art lovers are cordially invited to the opening. Admission is free. Registration is requested.
Actual Work
100 x 120 cm /39.4 x 47.2 inch
Marilyn 2025
In this captivating portrait, the artist captures the legendary charisma of actress Marilyn Monroe with explosive color and a passionate painting technique. The style combines contemporary expressionism with abstract nuances: thick layers of acrylic paint, often applied with a palette knife, create a relief-like surface that emphasizes sensuality and vitality. The bright turquoise background contrasts dramatically with the diverse tones of red, orange, green, blue, and purple that permeate Monroe's hair, face, and pearl necklace—an approach that underscores JOSTA's penchant for intense color contrasts and semi-abstract forms. The eyes, seductive and half-closed, draw the viewer into a world of seduction and fragility, while drips of paint and dynamic strokes create an aura of glamour and inner turmoil. Specializing in large-format portraits of iconic figures from film and culture, JOSTA draws on his theater and cinematic background to capture the complexity of female icons. This work blends traditional portraiture with modern abstraction, inviting reflection on beauty, glory, and transience.
