Vita

Born in 1970 in Heidelberg, Germany
Resides and works in Hamburg, Germany

Christian Autzen, born in 1970 in Heidelberg, Germany, is a contemporary figurative painter based in Hamburg. Working primarily with acrylic on linen, he integrates gold and copper refinements, along with rust and patina colours, to create complex, tactile surfaces. Autzen is best known for his distinctive, abstracted close-up portraits rendered on large-format canvases. His practice incorporates multi-layered materials such as sand and metals, using bold colour contrasts and a combination of matt and glossy textures to emphasize the emotional intensity of his motifs. His visual language illuminates themes of identity, transformation, and socio-political reflection.

Autzen’s work delves deeply into representations of personalities who foster cultural and social cohesion, drawing from historical, cultural, and personal narratives. His paintings are characterized by a deliberate interplay between abstraction and figuration, challenging the viewer to engage with the psychological depth and symbolic resonance of his subjects. Through the layering of material and meaning, Autzen reflects on collective memory and shared human experiences. One of his most significant recent projects is the series Enablers of the World, which will be exhibited at the Hong Art Museum in Chongqing, China, from 18 November 2025 to 28 February 2026, exploring the influential figures who shape and inspire societal progress.

Christian Autzen has exhibited internationally, with notable presentations at the Pashmin Art Gallery in Hamburg, Germany; the Hamptons Fine Art Fair in Southampton, New York, United States; and Haze Gallery in Berlin, Germany. His work continues to attract critical attention and contributes meaningfully to contemporary discourse on identity and collective history within the visual arts.

Education

1992-1996
Diploma in graphic design, Kunstschule Alsterdamm / School of Visual Arts, among others in the class of Lothar Walter, Hamburg, DE

1985-1991
Various art courses and classes, including thematic studies of Paul Klee and Gustav Klimt