Leon Löwentraut, considered a shooting star in the contemporary art world, has made international waves at just 27 years old, earning him a spot at number three on Forbes' prestigious 30 Under 30 list. The German-born artist, who first began painting on canvas at the age of seven, is currently showcasing his vibrant works in Linz, Austria.
Löwentraut's artistic journey began remarkably early and has progressed at breakneck speed. After making his first brushstrokes on canvas at seven years old, he demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by selling his first artworks at age 11 – notably to a pizzeria for 150 euros. "Painting means absolute freedom to me," the artist says about his craft. Born in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Löwentraut recalls spending his childhood in museums and galleries, and by age twelve, he already knew he wanted to become a famous painter.
Today, Löwentraut's paintings command five-figure sums, establishing the 27-year-old as one of the most sought-after painters of his generation. He is frequently compared to Pablo Picasso, a comparison that doesn't bother him. While acknowledging Picasso's influence on his work, Löwentraut emphasizes that he has long since developed his own distinctive style. His art has gained visibility not only in galleries but also in public spaces, making contemporary art more accessible to broader audiences.
The artist has built a substantial social media following, with 1.1 million followers on Instagram. His goal extends beyond traditional art circles – he aims to make art accessible to everyone, not just an exclusive specialist audience. "It's a wonderful thing that I can reach young people with my work," the artist expresses with enthusiasm. "We should pay attention to the younger generations because they will shape our future."
Gallery owners worldwide have been captivated by the expressiveness and positivity that characterize Löwentraut's paintings. Under the title "Unikate" (Unique Pieces), his works are currently on display at the Otto Galerie Buchinger in Linz through November 15, 2025. Gallery owner Christoph Pöhlmann notes that exhibitions featuring Löwentraut's work often sell out within minutes of opening, demonstrating the intense demand for his art.
Despite his meteoric rise to fame and commercial success, Löwentraut remains grounded and credits his support system. "Without the support of my family, none of this would have been possible," he emphasizes. The artist maintains studios and residences in both Düsseldorf, Germany, and Portugal, allowing him to work in diverse environments that continue to inspire his creativity.
Looking ahead, Löwentraut's career shows no signs of slowing down. He is scheduled to represent his art at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, marking another significant milestone in his rapidly ascending career. This Olympic involvement will provide him with an even larger international platform to showcase his work and continue his mission of making contemporary art accessible to diverse global audiences.
