Franz Konrad’s pictures deal with both concrete images (for example, urban structures or architectural concepts) as well as social issues. The economic conditions and demands of those living in South and Central America are a topic – likewise the decadence of the western capitalistic world. Although one can document catastrophes such as an oil spill in the Caribbean and thereby raise public awareness, one is still forced to live with the consequences and search for workable solutions. In his stance of solidarity with the underprivileged, Franz Konrad attempts to combine their cultural tradition and present social condition with his own personal development. His artistic work is an aid in grasping the problematic themes. Here he merges historical with present, and foreign with personal elements – transforming them into apocalyptic and at the same time paradisiacal “trips”. Thus the viewer is invited in this psychedelic cosmos of color and form, to search for points of crystallization – and perhaps even solutions.

Günther Holler-Schuster