The Galerie in der Schmiede in Pasching, Upper Austria, is presenting a comprehensive exhibition of works by Roman Scheidl, a significant figure in Austrian painting, under the theme "Harmony of Opposites." The exhibition showcases new works that create a dialogue between dancing figures and poetic landscapes, offering visitors a meditative experience perfectly timed for the Christmas season.

At 76 years old, Roman Scheidl describes his artistic philosophy simply: "My painter's heart beats between figure and abstraction." As a representative of the "Young Wild Ones" movement that emerged in Austria from the 1970s onward, Scheidl continues a gestural, expressionistic tradition that follows in the footsteps of masters like Oskar Kokoschka and Max Weiler. His work is characterized by what he calls "dancing brushes," creating paintings that move fluidly between figurative representation and Asian ink painting techniques.

Scheidl's unique artistic vision has been shaped by extensive world travels, particularly his fascination with Far Eastern art. The Lower Austria-born artist has masterfully merged elements of Eastern artistic traditions with European painting heritage, creating a distinctive style that sets him apart in contemporary Austrian art. His technique reminds viewers of Japanese ink painting through its rhythmic brushstrokes and ornamental concentration, while maintaining the depth and complexity of Western artistic traditions.

The artist creates what he describes as "magical landscapes with poetic and dreamy figures," explaining in an interview that his works represent "hints of stories without beginning and without end." Scheidl employs colors in such a way that they don't merely shine but seem to breathe with life. He notes that "my paintings often carry the longing to transcend the visible world," reflecting a spiritual dimension that adds depth to his artistic expression.

Gallery owner Christine Stieger praises Scheidl's technical mastery, stating, "I love his brush technique, perfected to the extreme in both drawing and painting." The Pasching exhibition presents an impressive cross-section of Scheidl's work spanning from 2006 to 2025, offering visitors a comprehensive view of nearly two decades of artistic evolution and development.

The exhibition serves as more than just an art display during the busy holiday season. Stieger emphasizes the gallery's role as a peaceful retreat, explaining, "Why should someone visit a gallery especially during Christmas time? It's a wonderful opportunity to relax during hectic times, and perhaps one might find a gift for themselves or for their loved ones." The timing of the exhibition aligns perfectly with the contemplative nature of Scheidl's work, providing visitors with spaces for poetry and color that offer respite from seasonal stress.

Scheidl's artistic journey represents a unique path in contemporary painting, where he allows spaces to emerge while placing figures at the center of his compositions. Simultaneously, he structures his formats with rhythmic brushstrokes that are both ornamental and concentrated, creating works that bridge Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His paintings invite viewers into a world where visible reality meets transcendent longing, offering an artistic experience that continues to evolve and inspire after decades of creative dedication.