Eva Schartmüller (b. 1961) is a contemporary artist based in Vienna who works in the field of conceptual installation, including electronic-digital technologies and performance with a self-experimental approach. The concept around which Eva Maria Schartmüller builds her artworks is mainly anthropocentrism, with a focus on examining socio-political and socio-cultural processes. Whether its explorations are related to the body, life, or social inter-human relationships, the artist keeps a vivid interest in this direction, which she is constantly questioning in different forms.
The interest in the transition states of the being determines her to develop powerful works and to explore the paradigm of supremacy and social dominance, in which aspects of transformation, such as physical or psychic fragility, become inspirational and discursive elements.
Marina Paladi: Can you tell me the story of how you initially became interested in art and what inspired you to pursue a career as a professional artist?
Eva Schartmüller: My interest in art is rooted in my enthusiasm for various forms of creative expression. This includes music, literature, film and video, dance performances, design, and visual arts. These diverse forms of art have inspired me to delve deeper into the subject matter. I also have a keen interest in exploring the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual and society. This multifaceted landscape of interests ultimately led me to develop my own way of expression and form finding.

Marina Paladi: Describe your creative process. How do you begin a new piece, and what are some of the challenges you face during creation?
Eva Schartmüller: The creative processes begin in different ways. Observing processes in the external world and reflecting on my inner world generate impulses that then initiate a theme-oriented creative thinking process. Sometimes, dreams also serve as a source of inspiration, helping me to explore new paths of thinking. Additionally, intensive research is often necessary to develop a topic. When engaging with a new subject or approach, it’s important to build a certain base of knowledge. This may involve researching through books or documentaries, consulting experts, or conducting practical experiments to gain a deeper understanding. The process of creation often presents a significant challenge for me. Implementing certain ideas also requires overcoming psychological barriers, such as self-doubt or the pressure to meet certain expectations.

Marina Paladi: You often incorporate unconventional materials such as grass, stones, and plastic into your art. How do you choose the materials for your work?
Eva Schartmüller: The selection of materials for my works is an integral part of my creative process and is closely related to the themes I want to explore. I use materials that carry specific symbolism or metaphorical significance to support my concepts. For example, working with grass or other organic materials emphasizes the connection to nature or its destruction, while plastic can allude to themes of consumer society and environmental pollution.
In many works, you explore the fragility of the human body in relation to nature, presenting the body as a landscape itself. Can you tell me more about this exploration of the human body?
In my works, the human body is often a central motif. In the artwork ‘physical’, it becomes the landscape itself, shaped by both internal and external influences. This exploration of the fragility of the human body within the context of nature is a way for me to examine the delicate connection between the individual self and the surrounding world. In the piece ‘Throw,’ a psychological injury is addressed, which transforms performatively into a physical wound.
‘Lost Authenticity I and II’ explore vulnerability through loss and deindividualization. ‘Shell shock’ and ‘blot out’ delve into traumatic states. These works aim to stimulate the viewer to reflect on the complexity and vulnerability of human existence.

Marina Paladi: Your works center on anthropocentrism, whether exploring it in relation to the body, life, nature, or social inter-human relationships. Do you think art should have a civic role? What is the role of art in the current context?
Eva Schartmüller: Anthropocentrism is a central theme in many of my works as it reflects the relationship between humans and their environment. The question of whether art should play a political role has long been the subject of intense debate. For me personally, art has the potential to address societal issues, raise awareness, and instigate change. Its ability to evoke emotions and convey complex topics in an accessible manner has always been significant. Given global challenges such as climate change, social injustice, and political tensions, art can play a critical role in shedding light on these issues and raising awareness of their urgency.
Marina Paladi: What advice would you give to emerging artists just starting and looking up to your work?
Eva Schartmüller: Advice is a tricky thing… But if I were to give one, it would be to always let your own creativity and passion guide you. It’s important to be authentic and not let yourself be influenced by trends or others’ expectations.






This journalistic material was produced within the framework of the Power Station++ programme | Mobilities for Cultural Professionals. The mobility is part of the National Cultural Programme “Timisoara – European Capital of Culture in 2023” and is financed by the Power Station++ programme, implemented by Center for Projects of the Municipality of Timișoara, with funds allocated from the state budget, through the Ministry of Culture budget.