Mathematical theory serves as the primary catalyst for the creative output of Martina Schettina, an Austrian artist whose career bridges the gap between cold logic and visual emotion. Since establishing her studio in Langenzersdorf in 1989, she has explored the intersection of numerical systems and figurative painting, frequently exhibiting her work across international galleries and institutional spaces.
Early Education and Professional Development
Born in the Währing district of Vienna in 1961, Schettina spent her youth in Leopoldstadt, where she excelled at the Bundesrealgymnasium Vereinsgasse. Between 1979 and 1983, she pursued studies in physics and mathematics at the University of Vienna while simultaneously developing her painting skills as an autodidact. Her formal training continued at the University of Applied Arts Vienna and through specialized sessions at the Summer Art School Geras, where she studied under Ulrich Gansert, Peter Sengl, and Hubert Aratym. She balanced her creative practice with a teaching career at a Viennese high school from 1984 until 2007.
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Schettina’s work frequently addresses social gender roles and the positioning of women within the community. Her painting style, influenced by Pop Art, features semi-transparent figures that have earned her the moniker of the painter with the glassy hand. In 2009, her piece titled Orange Dress was selected for the poster of the exhibition City. Country. Woman. held at the Museum of the City Krems. Since 2008, she has focused on transforming complex mathematical themes into canvases, culminating in the 2009 publication of her book Mathemagische Bilder.
Performance and Global Presence
Beyond traditional media, Schettina incorporates performance art to explain her mathematical concepts. Her projects include Rolling Stars and Planets, presented in both Vienna and Hungary, and the collaborative Pythagoras in Delphi series performed with Bazon Brock in Berlin and Karlsruhe. Her exhibition record spans Europe and Asia, featuring showings at major venues such as the Egon-Schiele-Museum, the Museumsquartier Vienna, and the Florence Biennale. Her work is held in various archives, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Vienna, Austria
- Primary Fields: Painting, Sculpture, Author
- Education: University of Vienna (1979-1983)
- Movement: Pop Art
- Studio Location: Langenzersdorf
- Key Publication: Mathemagische Bilder (2009)
- Teaching Career: 1984-2007
Questions readers ask
What is the primary theme of Schettina's art?
Her work blends mathematical logic with emotional expression and examines the societal roles and position of women.
Why is she called the painter with the glassy hand?
The nickname refers to her technique of painting figures that appear transparent.
Achievements
- Movement: pop art
