What can one say about this bold and daring new work by 21st century artist Kurt J. Hinterbichler? At first glance, we see three shapes that seem to outline a sense of urgency and chaos. Yet, upon closer examination, more shapes appear within the outline, reflecting order within the disturbance. Like one's life, the shapes are simple when viewed from the outside in, yet become extraordinarily complex when viewed from inside out. The colors portray this as well, with a lack of quantity made up for by a brilliant use of clarity. The solid white both outside and in shows the inner and outer similarities that everyone shares, while still serving to highlight emptiness and innocence.

Squarz

(2001, crayon on paper, 8.5" by 11")-$99.

Intrusion

(2001, poster paint on canvas, 9" by 12")- $799.

One of Kurt J. Hinterbichler's most inspiring works, Intrusion is a piece that at first seems to show a shard of bleakness and despair corrupting all that is hopeful, true, and good. Why would an artist want to display such a dark and menacing theme? However, upon further reflection, one sees that this piece does not embrace darkness but instead condemns it. For this is not a painting of black on white, but rather one of white upon black. The black shard is all that is remaining of a place in which white has dominated, a place in which originality, hope, and light is about to conquer the evil of conformity and disillusionment. This is perhaps Hinterbichler's most personal work, as it reflects the nature of his artistic quest and his drive to create something truly original.

Tik Tak To

(2001, crayon on paper, 8.5" by 11")-$99.

Is life a game? Hinterbichler seems to imply this with his latest crayon work, Tik Tak To. A simple "X" and "O" revolve around a center point in what looks to be a work of extreme simplicity. However, one sees then the truth of this work, and the meaning suddenly explodes to the surface. After all, revolving around all of our complex lives is the notion of life being a simple game, that nothing matters when the big picture is examined. Of course, the seriousness of existence should never be doubted, just as the seriousness of victory and defeat in a sporting event is not something taken lightly. When one understands this, one is able to realize that life should be fun and joyous, without being meaningless.

Reflections

(2001, crayon on paper, 8.5" by 11")-$99.

A reflection of everyone's inner turmoil, Reflections is a work that is sometimes difficult to examine. Hinterbichler is never more honest as he is in this simple yet painful reminder of one's mental and spiritual troubles. The outer, physical red is shown here as a solid barrier that appears strong in the face of conflict. The inner reflection, however, is shown in an ugly brown, with broken, weak shards confused and tormented in their own world. It is a distressing scene, yet it is all too real. Hinterbichler's intention with this work is to force those in denial to see the truth and to accept it. Only then will they allow themselves the healing they deserve and require.

Wavage

(2001, crayon on paper, 8.5" by 11")-$99.

This is a work of quiet, intense power that describes the evolution of the mind from a state of innocence into one of full knowledge and ability. The piece consists of three shapes, with each one growing into a bigger, more intricate version of the previous shape. This portrays the growing intricacy of the mind, a mystery that only art can capture fully. Of course, there is both good and bad with development, which is why with each stage there come several more rough edges and harsh curves. Only through witnessing these increases in tribulations can one truly begin to recognize the difficulties one's mind faces while trying to attain perfection.

Brownground

(2001, crayon on paper, 8.5" by 11")-$99.

The monotony of daily life- a topic many people try to ignore, but one that Hinterbichler embraces in Brownground, a work of struggle and triumph. Beginning from the upper left hand corner, one sees the routine of life taking shape, with the smooth, predictable, almost boring lines growing and starting their domination of the piece. The monotony is attempting to control all that it comes into contact with, and the white, hopeful background is nearly drowned out by the sickening brown. However, the brown is unable to take full control, as in the right hand side one sees a sharp break in the unanimity. There are some who would fight back against this machine of uniformity, some who would forge their own paths through life. This is the part of the work that truly comes to life, and it proves that rebellion can be accomplished. Once again, Hinterbichler ties his own quest into his art, showing how one person can change the accepted standards forever.

Opprobrium: A Study in Paradoxical Magnanimity

(2001, poster paint on canvas, 9" by 12")- $799.

Shame and nobility are two seemingly opposite feelings, yet they are tied closely together in this revealing piece by Kurt J. Hinterbichler. What does one feel when nobility is expected of a person, yet that person is set upon a different life path? What about those who appear noble in the physical sense, yet spiritually they feel as if they deserve none of the praise they are receiving? The feeling of opprobrium is one that not many people choose to admit or accept, which is why this is such a striking and powerful work. On the edges of this painting are the clean, harmonious blue and green colors that represent the outward nobility that is expected from another person. Yet in the center is the glaring, disturbing red of shame that one feels inside one's heart when one is living through this facade of false nobility. Hinterbichler attempts to show the inner soul with this painting, and it comes across with both grace and authority. Another work of genius by an artist unequaled in his field.

Untitled

(2001, crayon on paper, 8.5" by 11")-$99.

It is fitting that Hinterbichler did not title this piece, as any label upon it would immediately destroy the impact and importance of such a work. This is a piece that almost speaks for itself by communicating a hidden pride that all of humanity shares. While many artists simply use blank white paintings for their art, Hinterbichler goes one step further and improves upon the unimprovable. This in itself is an ingenious metaphor that speaks to humanity and its ability to create feeling where there once was none. A computer can play a piece of music "perfectly," seemingly without any improvement possible. However, when a true musician plays the music, it is obvious that something is present that has made the music come alive. It is because of humanity's courage that one is able to witness an improvement upon that which one originally thought was already perfect. Such is the case with this painting, and it proves that Hinterbichler has a courage not seen in many artists today. He is willing to attempt to improve upon perfection, and he does it with ease and elegance.

Hope

(2001, crayon on canvas, 9" by 12")- $1299.

This work was created at exactly 12:00 AM, mountain time, at the start of the new century. It is believed to be the first work of art created for the new millennium in the Mountain time zone, and it portrays both a hope for the upcoming years ahead and a look back at the art world of the past. Hope shows many faded, meandering lines wandering through the canvas, looking for direction and meaning. Out of these lines comes a brilliant, bold statement, a line slashing across the rest and demanding to be seen. This almost obtrusive segment represents the beginnings of a new art form, one that does not let itself be restricted or contained. It is Hinterbichler's form of art, and it points to a bright new future, one that can bring meaning to the meanderings of art in the past. This is a work that shows infinite possibilities for the new millennium, and it is one that will be looked upon many years from now as the work that paved the way for other new works of brilliance to shine forth. A truly astounding piece, to be sure.