Karl Umlauf

ABOUT THE ARTISTKARL UMLAUF

As a young artist, Karl Umlauf was motivated by several forms of subject matter. One was the structural geological forms of land. The other was the complexity of machinery and piping systems found in petroleum refineries, as well as the spectacular environment of steel mills and salvage yards. This imagery was and continues to be his subject matter. He modifies and reinvents these sources, infusing them with personal creative expressions.

ARTIST STATEMENT The multi-planographic sequences of surface imagery and color

are used in creating polarities, properties of tension, measured rhythms and surface energies, indicative of a visual form of physics. If the work appears to have an abstract yet unique personal identity and if it provides a distinct physical presence, then I have succeeded in establishing my visual signature.

Karl Umlauf’s Slag Pullers (1959), Oil on linen, 40 x 50 inches, showing two Pittsburgh steel workers skimming slag from a fiery furnace of molten metal, is a work relating to human

production on various levels.

METALLIC FORM VI (1970)

ALUMINUM, FIBERGLASS, STYROFOAM,LACQUER, AND PEARL

60 X 60 X 8 INCHES

AERIAL LEGEND IV (1981)

Mixed Media on Cast Paper

30 x 26 inches

DISPLACEMENT III (1983)

Mixed Media on Cast Paper

50 x 44 x 4 inches

Private Collection, Houston, Texas

FRAGMENT VI #2 (1983) Mixed Media on Cast Paper 47 x 33 x 3 inches Courtesy of Jim and Sharyn Weaver Houston, Texas

PEGASUS (1988) DRY PIGMENT ON CAST PAPER

60 X 24 X 6 INCHES

VULCAN II (1988) ACRYLIC AND DRY PIGMENT ON CAST PAPER

64 X 48 X 3 INCHES COURTESY OF LONGVIEW MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, LONGVIEW, TEXAS

SHAMAN (1989) STEEL, PAPER, ACRYLIC, AND WOOD

80 X 76 X 5 INCHESCOURTESY OF DAVID AND VALERIE FALLAS, WACO, TEXAS

CREATURE OF THE MYTH (1989)

ENAMEL ON WOOD68 X 98 X 5 INCHES

INTAKE (1998)

ENAMEL, WOOD AND METAL 56 X 48 X 10 INCHES

ASSEMBLAGE VII (2001) METAL, WOOD, AND ACRYLIC ON PANEL 14 X 12 INCHES COURTESY OF IMAGO GALLERY, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA

INDEXES OF THE ARC (2002) ACRYLIC ON CANVAS

60 X 54 INCHESCOURTESY OF HARRIS GALLERY, HOUSTON, TEXAS

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN TOMBSTONE AND ABILENE (2002)

PASTEL AND CHARCOAL ON PAPER54 X 42 INCHES

CROSS REFERENCE II (2007)Just as he had explored all aspects of the process of industrial technology in Slag Pullers (1959), Umlauf continued his interest in this process: the surface

as well as what’s beneath it. Here, in the Cross References, one of his important series, Umlauf’s work involves a more, sophisticated 21st century

geological technological study, as well as a remarkable refinement and evolution of his media. These multi-paneled works generally included 3 media: photographic images with archival ink on vinyl, Formica laminate, and mixed

media compounds, on wood and canvas.

MISSION WALL I (2008)

MIXED MEDIA ON WOOD AND INK ON VINYL61 X 40 X 4 INCHES

CLIFF FORMS (2009) MIXED MEDIA ON WOOD, INK ON CANVAS 24 X 24 INCHES

LAND FORMS (2009) MIXED MEDIA ON WOOD, INK ON CANVAS 24 X 24 INCHES

HIGH PLAINS FAR AND NEAR (2009)

MIXED MEDIA ON WOOD, INK ON CANVAS

36 X 30 INCHES

WESTERN SLOPE FAR AND NEAR (2009) MIXED MEDIA ON WOOD, INK ON CANVAS

30 X 26 INCHES

TIMED PORTAL (2009) STUDY FOR TIMED PORTAL (2005)

MIXED MEDIA ON WOOD, INK ON PAPER CHARCOAL ON PAPER 50 X 60 INCHES 52 X 40 INCHES

BAYOU STUDIES (2009) MIXED MEDIA ON WOOD, INK ON CANVAS 24 X 20 INCHES

INDUSTRIAL WALLS II (2009)

GUACHE ON BOARD 18 X 26 INCHES

AT THE BLAST FURNACE (2009)

CHARCOAL ON CANVAS 54 X 70 INCHES

Artist Quotes

The energy in my work has always germinated from the drawing process. Through this creative activity a metamorphosis occurs, enabling me to explore surfaces, structures, and a synergy from which new concepts develop. When the work forms a new direction, I am increasingly aware of the qualities upon which the previous imagery was constructed, providing motivation for the journey ahead…

The changes I have made in the direction and appearance of my work throughout my career have evolved from my quest for a more unique and personal experience. Challenge is the object of my search, freedom the lifeblood, and resolution my ultimate reward – KARL UMLAUF.