Ludwig Merwart (1 September 1913 – 13 July 1979) was an influential Austrian painter and graphic artist. He is an important representative of Tachism and was a major force in graphic arts and prints, especially after World War II. His work belongs to the most significant and interesting contributions to graphic arts in Austria to this day.
Merwart's unique technique of iron etching attracted great attention in the 50s and 60s and 70s. In 1959 he exhibited his work at the documenta 2 in Kassel (Germany) and at the V. Biennale de São Paulo (Brasil), the following year at the International Graphic Biennale in Cincinnati (Ohio) and the Tate Gallery in London (Great Britain).
“These prints rung from iron, acid and color, radiate tranquility, confidence and creativity. The adventure of a method reaching back to the very roots and origins of the creative impulse have here captured a phenomenon, which, independent of the process of realization, afford the viewer an experience of pronounced aesthetic intensity.” (Dr. Wilhelm Mrazek, Former Director of the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna, Austria)
2006: SPEKTRUM FARBE. Kunst der Moderne. Niederösterreichisches Landesmuseum, Sankt Pölten / Austria
2003: Avantgarde und Tradition. Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz / Austria
2003: Wasser in Attersee. Gemälde, Graphik, Photographie. Kunsthalle Attersee, KATT, Attersee / Austria
2003: Ludwig Merwart - Ölbilder und Eisenätzungen. Galerie Wolfgang Exner, - Galerie für junge und aktuelle Kunst, Wien / Austria
1999: Zeitschnitt 1900 - 2000 - 100 Jahre, 100 Werke. Neue Galerie der Stadt Linz / Austria
1958 Franzoesischer Saal des Kuenstlerhauses Vienna (A)
1960 Galerie Ambiente São Paulo (BR)
1960 Galerie Parnass Wuppertal-Elberfeld (D)
1960 Galerie das Fenster Frankfurt am Main (D)
1960 Galerie Bernd Classing Muenster in Westfalen (D)
1960 Galerie Willi Verkauf Vienna (A)
1961 Galerie Bruecke Bielefeld (D)
1962 Galerie Neutorgasse of the Erste österreichische Spar-Casse, Vienna (A)
1964 Internationaler Kuenstlerklub Palais Palffy Vienna (A)
1968 Galerie Musarion Basel (CH)