Born out of earth

'I form this raw material, earth, with my hands guided by my own imagination, but it seeks to mysteriously elude me; the alchemistic process of firing adds surprising new elements each time. I shape the material and simultaneously it has its own power. I try to detect this elementary power within me through the conflicting process. The complementary opposites of stillness and movement, convex and concave, arise from the strong kneading and the fine curving and modelling. I shape the dampness and the softness, it dries and becomes matt and fragile, and through the transformation in the fire arises the firmness and shine. We too spring from the same ephemeral materials issuing from the Mother Earth. The rebirth through the fire brings something to life which transcends time'

Keramik Wien
Brigitte Saugstad Keramik Ceramic

Biography

Brigitte Saugstad studied ceramic art and design at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna under Prof. Matteo Thun. After completing her studies, the artist spent several months at the College of Art in New Delhi where she delved into the Indian mythology regarding the archetype of the ‘divine inner child’ — the elephant-headed god, Ganesha. Deeply moved and inspired by this experience, the artist has let him playfully dance through her hands over the years, and in all her works is woven this principle of the inner child — the embodiment of childlike joy, innocence and wisdom within.
The passion for dance, movement and speed first led Brigitte Saugstad to figure skating as a child. She won national and international junior championships before completing her young career as a figure skater. However, the fascination for powerful and harmonious movement remained alive in her.
Born in Vienna, this sensitive artist is clearly inspired by the Viennese Art Nouveau style of the early 1900s. Brigitte Saugstad's ceramic works bear witness to an energetic and positive attitude to life. Her sculptures are characterized by a certain weightlessness, appear liberated from earthly constraints, sometimes like symbols of a ideal form of being.
The Italian art critic, Georgio Pilla, summarized Brigitte Saugstad’s art in the following words: 'The nature of the works lies in the flowing movements, the gliding and the floating, that lend the sculptures and other objects an extraordinary impression of joy and lightness. At the same time the works radiate a strength and solidarity with the earth. It is this balance between dynamism and harmony that instantly attracts the observer and suffuses one with life. The colours and the movement she gives to her creations are of a sublime beauty’.
With her art, Brigitte Saugstad wants to invite the viewer into her world, detached from time and thoughts.
Brigitte Saugstad now lives and works as a freelance artist in Vienna and Lower Austria, following extended stays in India, the USA and Canada.
She regularly presents her works in national and international galleries, exhibitions and art fairs in Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Monaco, Dubai, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, the USA, Canada and China, among others.
Her works of art can be found in many private collections worldwide.

Art prizes and recognitions

2023
Installation UP, Adolf Peschek Audience Award, Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
2017
Lord of the Dance, Adolf Peschek Audience Award, Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Balance is Everything, Nomination for best sculpture Artedition Compliment, Artinnovation Innsbruck
2016
Ganesha Anführer der göttlichen Heerscharen,Publikumspreis, City Museum St.Pölten, Austria
2015
Balance is Everything, 3.Preis Leonardo Award for Sculpture, Chianciano Biennale, Italy
ViennaBLOOM, special mention of excellence, London Art Biennale, UK
2014
Eisprinzessin Hoppala, Premio de Marchi for Sculpture, Bologna, Italy

A selection of national and international exhibitions

Solo shows:

2023
ViennaBLOOM, Österreichische Werkstätten, Vienna, Austria
2022
(Un)MÖGLICHES, Galerie Lieglweg Neulengbach, Austria
Ganesha, Hartman Optik, Vienna, Austria
2011
Eisprinzessin, Hartmann, Vienna, Austria
Skulpturen im Park, Park Heldenberg, Vienna
Eisprinzessin, Galerie Studio 18, Vienna, Austria

Group shows:

2024
ArtFusion Saugstad/Denk, Galerie Eichgraben, Austria
Aktion/Aktion! Benefiz-Auktion, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
78 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstler*innenbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Skulpturen, VKK Eichgraben, Austria
DeSideria, Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia in Rome, Italy
berührend, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
JUBILÄUMSAUSSTELLUNG „50 Jahre Galerie Eichgraben“, Austria
2023
Vierundzwanzig 23, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
77 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Freedom, KulturAXE, Vienna, Austria
Stille-Leere-Weiss, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Hyppolit und Töchter, works in public spaces, St.Pölten, Austria
2022
76 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Vierundzwanzig 22, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Cut outs Cut ups, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Artfair Innsbruck, Austria
Zwischen den Zeilen, Museum Laxenburg, Austria
Maskiert, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Hyppolit und Töchter, works in public spaces, St.Pölten, Austria
Gruppenausstellung 21/22, Artinnovation Innsbruck, Austria
2021
Artfair Innsbruck, Austria
Körper, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Gruppenausstellung 21/22, Artinnovation Innsbruck, Austria
Austausch, Künstlerhaus Graz, Austria
75 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Hyppolit und Töchter, works in public spaces, St.Pölten, Austria
2020
74 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Ganesha, Luismi PMI Jet Terminal Mallorca, Spain
ReAktion, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Hyppolit und Töchter, works in public spaces, St.Pölten, Austria
INSITU, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
HANDeln, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
2019
Artfair Innsbruck, Austria
Made in Paradise, Galerie Artinnovation, Berlin, Germany
Fluss, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Ibiza Artfair, Spain
über.blick, Barockschlössl Mistelbach, Austria
NoRobots, Kro Art Contemporary, Vienna, Austria
On tour, Royal Opera Gallery, London, UK
Dancing on Sunshine, Salon Golden Garden, Lyon, France
73 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Self.I, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
Taipei international, Metropolitan Theatre Gallery, Tokio, Japan
2018
72 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Artfair Innsbruck, Austria
Moving, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Figuren3, Galerie zum Alten Rathaus, Stockerau, Austria
Festa di Natale, Le Murate di Firenze, Italy
Die Dynamik der Stille, Eine Art Galerie, Mödling, Austria
NoRobots, Gallery Improper Walls, Vienna, Austria
Quadrat, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Schatten, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2017
71 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
TAKTIL, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Secret Garden, Santa Eulalia del Rio, Ibiza, Spain
Explosion and Innovation, Gallery Aragon 232, Barcelona, Spain
ARTBAHO, Barcelona, Spain
AIDAC Salon 2017, St.Tropez, Spain
NoRobots, Galerie KOKO, Vienna, Austria
Ibiza Artfair, Spain
Salon Golden Garden, Mandelieu/Cannes Villa Ruzzana, France
Hommage à Morandi, Galerie Verein Kunst und Kultur Eichgraben, Austria
ArtShopping, Caroussel du Louvre Paris, France
Kölner Liste, Germany
gegenwärtig, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
rund, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2016
70 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Artfair Innsbruck, Austria
Glück, Galerie M.Beck, Homburg, Germany
Horizonte, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
schwarz, weiss&grau, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austria
ArtMonaco, Monaco
Not for sale, Kunst:Werk St.Pölten, Austri
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2015
ArtBeijing, China
ArtTotal Beijing, Gallery Art nou mil.lenni, Barcelona, Spain
Inner Peace, Darb 1718 Contemporary Art & Culture Center, Cairo, Egypt
London Biennale, UK
Artfair Innsbruck, Austria
69 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Chianciano Biennale, Italy
KunstBuch Präsentation, Artinnovation, casino Innsbruck, Austria
Kölner Liste, Germany
Mural of the Peace, Florida, USA
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2014
Artfair Teheran, Iran
Artfair Innsbruck, Austria
Artfair Köln, Germany
68 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
The Illusion of Reality, Galleria De March, Bologna, Italy
Salone Bernini, Artinnovation, Galleria Sabrina Falzone, Milano, Italy
Modern European Art, Art Space Gallery New York, USA
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2013
Artfair Innsbruck, Austria
68 Jahresausstellung des St.Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Stadtmuseum St.Pölten, Austria
Catalogue presentation 2008-2013, Rearte Gallery, Vienna, Austria
Charity exhibition, Imperial Palace, Lions Club Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria
Akzenta Graz, Austria
Art Kalender 2014 presentation, Artinnovation Innsbruck, Austria
VI International Malerfest, Burgruine Reichenstein, Austria
Opening exhibition Galerie ArtRoom21, Innsbruck, Austria
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2012
Beyond Thoughts, Rearte Gallery, Vienna, Austria
Changing Places - Art Without Borders, Galerie Offenes Atelier D.U. Design, Villach, Austria
Festival Cultura dello Spirito, Albera Ligure, Italy
Spring Art Fair, Kunst Pavillion, Innsbruck, Austria
QuadriArt, EAGL Gallery, Berlin, Germany
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2011
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2010
Ganeshas and Fairies, Galerie Verein Kunst und Kultur Eichgraben, Austria
Festival Cultura dello Spirito, Albera Ligure, Italy
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2009
Elephants for Peace, Galerie Studio 18, Vienna, Austria
Festival Cultura dello Spirito, Albera Ligure, Italy
Elephants for Peace, International Peace Exhibition, Led Street border-checkpoint, Cyprus
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2008
Christmas Spirit, Galerie am Karmelitermarkt, Vienna, Austria
Role Plays, Impressions of Venice, Karmeliter Kirche, Wr.Neustadt, Austria
Distribuzione dei ruoli, Centro D’Arte San Vidal, U.C.A.I. Venice, Italy
Ganesha, Galerie zum Alten Rathaus, Stockerau, Austria
Open studio, Eichgraben NÖ, Austria
2007
Dies und Das, Chocolate Factory, Vienna, Austria
2006
Christmas, Domus designer Furniture House, Vienna, Austria
2005
Winterfarben, Galerie am Karmelitermarkt, Vienna, Austria
2001-2004
Heritage House Gallery, Langley, BC, Canada
2001-2003
Arnold Mikelson’s Mind And Matter Gallery, Ocean Park, Canada
2000
Gallery NC, Ashville, North Carolina, USA
1990
Rosa Mayreder und der Feminismus in Wien um 1900, Historisches Museum der Stadt Wien, Vienna, Austria
1985
A New Coffee Landscape, New York, USA, and Innsbruck, Austria
1984
Contemporary Porcelain, Demel, Vienna, Austria

 

Art Books and Catalogues

  • Hardcover Buch Artedition 2018
  • ARTEDITION zeitgenössische Kunst, contemporary Art ( Artinnovation Innsbruck ) ISBN 978-3-903030-Hardcover Buch Artedition 2016
  • ARTEDITION zeitgenössische Kunst, contemporary Art ( Artinnovation Innsbruck ) ISBN 978-3-200-04314-5 Katalog
  • 70 Jahre St.Pöltner Künstlerbund 1946-2016 Auflage über 500 Stück
  • …die letzten 10 Jahre
  • KunSTücke Werkband zeitgenössischer Künstler, works of contemporary artists, hardcover Bücher
  • Grüne-Edition: 2016 KUNST IST EINE FRAGE DER PERSPEKTIVE ISBN 978-3-9 81 69 49-3-2
  • Orange-Edition: 2017 KUNST BIRGT EINEN MÄCHTIGEN ZAUBER ISBN 978-3-9 81 69 49-4-9
  • Rote-Edition: 2018 DIE STERNE DER KUNST ERLÖSCHEN NIE! IBSN 978-3-9 81 69 49-5-6
  • alpenrand-magazin
  • Katalog LOWER AUSTRIA CONTEMPORARY 2018 Kultur NÖ
  • 21st Salon International Des Artistes Contemporains 2017 Saint Tropez
  • Naumann Beck Verlag für Kunst und kluge Texte
  • Katalog: GLÜCK galerie m beck / Homburg/ Saar 2016 ISBN 9783939755487
  • Naumann Beck Verlag für Kunst und kluge Texte
  • Katalog: GLÜCK Kölner Liste 2017 ISBN 9783939755852 Auflage 500
  • Ausstellung „Glück“, Galerie m Beck , Naumann Beck/ Verlag für kluge Texte, Homburg 2016
  • Kunststücke - Werkeband zeitgenössischer Künstler, Südseiten Verlag, Moosrain am Tegernsee 2015
  • Artedition zeitgenössische Kunst, contemporary art, Artinnovation Innsbruck, Innsbruck 2015
  • Chianciano Biennale, Artmuseum Chianciano, Siena 2015
  • ART Innsbruck - 19th international fair for contemporary art & antiques, ART Kunstmesse GmbH, Innsbruck 2015
  • The Mural of the Peace, Museum of the Americas, Houston 2015
  • London Biennale – 130 artists 45 nations, Gagliardi Art & Partners, London 2015
  • Art3 - 150 Europäische Künstler, Kitzbüheler Kunstkreis, Galerie Kitz ART, Kitzbühel 2015
  • Art Collection Iran – International Gallery Exposition, Teheran 2014
  • ART.FAIR Köln, art.fair International GmbH, Köln 2014
  • International Contemporary Artists Vol. VIII, ICA Publishing, New York 2014
  • The illusion of reality – mostra internazionale arte, Galleria de marchi, Bologna 2014
  • Art3 - Zeitgenössische Kunst europäischer Künstler, Art3 Kunstverlag, Kitzbühel 2014
  • Kunststücke - Werkeband zeitgenössischer Künstler, Südseiten Verlag, Moosrain am Tegernsee, 2014
  • Rearte Gallery 2008-2013 - 5th anniversary, Rearte Gallery, Vienna 2013
  • Eagl quadriART 2013, Eagl Gallery, Berlin 2013
  • Galerie Bertrand Kass 2012-2014, Galerie Bertrand Kass, Innsbruck 2012
  • Entering the century of women? Rosa Mayreder and Feminism in Vienna around 1900, Historisches Museum der Stadt Wien, Vienna 1990
  • A New Coffee Landscape, Hochschule für Angewandte Kunst, Vienna 1984

Portrait © Sonja Dürnberger