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Austrian artist Hannah Philomena Scheiber
Austrian artist Hannah Philomena Scheiber
The Austrian artist Hannah Philomena Scheiber steps into the spotlight with confidence. Determined, dynamic, and guided by her unique perspective on the world. She rewrites her story with each passing day, inviting us to see through a new lens and shift the way we look at things.
“When you're told that only three percent of art school graduates can make a living from their art, the future prospects don't seem very promising," says Hannah Philomena Scheiber. "But it was always clear to me that I would be one of those three percent," she adds, laughing confidently. And for good reason: she had already begun selling her work while still a student at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, having passed the entrance exam even before completing her A-levels. “If I hadn’t had that experience, if I hadn’t been able to sell my paintings back then, I probably wouldn’t have stuck with art,” Scheiber states with clarity and conviction.
“Very few are asked to showcase their work, which is why it’s crucial to take matters into your own hands,” she explains. For Scheiber, this means actively seeking out opportunities and acquiring commissioned work. She frequently participates in competitions like “Kunst am Bau” and develops pitches and concepts for projects such as façade designs. She’s already designed six Intersport stores this way, and her creative range extends from murals to ceramics and of course, canvas paintings. Even as she discusses her diverse artistic endeavors, her boundless energy and drive can be felt.
Hannah Philomena Scheiber was born in Innsbruck in 1991 and raised in Obergurgl, a small village known mainly to ski tourists. "A mountain village at 2,000 meters above sea level," she says. From a young age, it was clear to her that she wanted to be an artist. And in a place like Obergurgl, she adds, you inevitably pick up a certain entrepreneurial mindset. "I’ve catapulted myself from a mountain farm into the international art world," she reflects.
The Tyrolean artist studied conceptual art under Johanna Kandl and Matteo Thun at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. She also studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence. During her time at the University of Applied Arts, Scheiber was selected for an artist residency in Melbourne and Tasmania.
Given her extensive travels, we’re curious about how Hannah Philomena Scheiber chooses her destinations. "I was so impressed by the Mona - Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, Tasmania, that it was worth traveling halfway around the world," she laughs. The museum, the largest privately funded in Australia, houses the collection of Australian professional gambler and art collector David Walsh. It was here that Scheiber first encountered works by Stefan Sagmeister, which inspired her decision to move to New York after finishing her studies at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. She studied ‘Design for Social Innovation’ at the School of Visual Arts (SVA), learning from Sagmeister and art critic Jerry Saltz. Since 2017, after becoming a single mother, Scheiber has been living and working once again from her base in Ötztal. She initially began her career as a self-marketer and continues to do so today. "I can reach the whole world from a mountain village via social media," she says with confidence. The overwhelming response she’s received confirms the success of her approach.
In 2018, Scheiber showcased her work at Art Basel, and just last year, she held a four-day solo exhibition at the Tresor of the Kunstforum in Vienna. What makes this especially remarkable is that, true to her personal philosophy of taking matters into her own hands, the visual artist rented the space herself and organized the entire exhibition on her own. "I never wanted to be dependent on anyone or anything, and I always handled everything myself, from securing the venue to finding sponsorships. I probably approach things quite differently than my fellow students," Scheiber reflects. Looking back, she believes her self-sufficiency in managing the Kunstforum exhibition in Vienna paid off in full. "I sold 63 out of the 66 paintings on display, with prices ranging from €800 to well into the five-figure range, depending on the size." Scheiber took on the financial risk herself, acknowledging that "Anyone who has grown up in nature, like me, knows that great opportunities only come with great risks." As for storage, people often ask if she has a warehouse to store her works temporarily. "I’ve never needed one," she says with satisfaction.
The next exciting chapter is just around the corner: From May 2 to May 9, 2025, her exhibition Universo Infinito will be showcased in a Venetian palazzo. Perfectly timed with the opening of the Architecture Biennale, which officially begins on May 10 (pre-opening dates are May 8 and 9, 2025). This intimate exhibition is dedicated to the 24-hour clock, which, much like the one in the clock tower of San Marco, still marks the phases of the moon and the signs of the zodiac.
Hannah Philomena Scheiber has an innate ability to tap into the timeless, while also addressing the central and pressing themes of our time. Her works focus on nature, the environment, mountains, water, and their fleeting existence. In her art, Scheiber reflects on the irreversible impact humans have on the mountain landscapes of her homeland. "When pristine natural beauty meets human innovation, that’s pure design for me," she explains.
When asked about role models, Scheiber responds without hesitation: “Yes, definitely. The performance artist Marina Abramović and art expert Magnus Resch. His books, especially Making Money as an Artist, have been incredibly inspiring.”
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