Anatol Knotek

born in 1977 in Vienna, Austria, lives and works in Vienna, Austria

Anatol Knotek is an Austrian artist and visual poet. Beside painting, visual and concreto poetry, installation and conceptual art are at the center of his artistic work. By focusing on phrases, single words or pure letterform, he reduces the elements of communication to the barest possible essence, stripping away the noise between the audience and the message.
One of the most important elements of his art is his ability to convey a little bit of humor, so that even while addressing serious issues, he manages to create the perfect combination of lighthearted and provocative thought.
His work has been presented internationally in group- and solo- exhibitions and has been published in journals, newspapers, schoolbooks and anthologies. He is a member of the “Austrian Art Association”.

What do contemporary people need art for?
For me, an artist creates something that is new to him, his current insight into or a struggle with a certain subject, his point of view… So art could be seen as a kind of communication with a slightly different vocabulary. Following this thought, people could “need” art as much as a good conversation with a friend. This could result in understanding or a feeling of being understood, inspiration or joy.

Why do YOU create art?
For my own development and if everything works out as I imagined, for a smile – a simple silent smile in the spectators faces.