Moments. An undefined unit of time—fleeting, and yet sometimes eternal.
In her series of paintings “Atmosphere of the Moment,” Mirjam Schrei explores the connection between photography and painting and examines the process of remembering. The works are based on photographs from her archive and capture the fleeting nature of personal experiences. In the creative process, a specific moment is recalled and captured in paint. Abstract surfaces and glazed layers of oil paint reflect the vague and fleeting nature of memory. Realistic elements, rendered with ballpoint pen, are incorporated to create concrete references to the photograph and the event being depicted. The result is an interplay between abstraction and photorealism. The motivation behind this series was not only to document intense moments but also to capture their mood. The first drawings, which served as precursors to the series, were created in 2022 during a trip with an aid organization. For the first time, ballpoint pen drawings were expanded to include colored elements—a method to give expression not only to the visible but also to the felt, and to capture the atmosphere of the moment.

Mirjam Schrei (b. 1998) is an artist based in Graz who focuses on oil painting and ballpoint pen drawing. She studied graphic design and photography at the University of Art and Design Linz and spent two semesters studying fine arts as a visiting student at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá. Using light as a metaphor, she explores themes of hope, transience, and interpersonal relationships. Her works are part of private collections in Colombia, Serbia, and Austria.

Art Brunch #95: July 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – Mirjam Schrei in conversation with Thomas Kunz.
Exhibition dates, Upper Deck #22: July13 – August 23, 2025

Opening hours:
July 13 – August 16, 2025, Wed–Sat: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
August 18 – August 25, 2025, Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Current Exhibitions:
Interface #3: Edges of Navigation