Stefan Korinek

Born in the Weinviertel region, Stefan Korinek lives and works in Gars am Kamp (Waldviertel, Austria).

Stefan Korinek’s artistic practice explores the interplay between material transformation, temporality, and light. The starting point of his work is copper – a metal that is not understood merely as a support medium, but as an autonomous, active participant in the creative process.

Korinek deliberately avoids the use of conventional paints. Instead, he initiates chemical reaction processes through which the material itself generates colour. Oxidation becomes a creative principle, while patina becomes a painterly event. The artist does not seek to dominate the material, but rather acts as a catalyst within an open and evolving process.

The resulting surfaces are characterised by unpredictability, density, and organic structures. In a second, deliberate intervention, the copper plates are manually perforated with hammer and chisel. These openings create space for integrated light sources, allowing the artwork to illuminate itself from within.

Materiality and immateriality, weight and light, control and chance enter into a state of dialogue. Korinek’s works address transience not as a form of loss, but as a continuous process of transformation.

Conceptually, his practice is inspired by the idea of “Tikun Ha Olam” – the repair and healing of the world. In this sense, his art is understood as a poetic contribution to awareness, responsibility, and transformation.

His works have been presented in exhibitions in Vienna, Hamburg, Zurich, Paris, and Ljubljana, as well as at international art fairs.