Bio 

Alexandra Schaffer is an Austrian artist, born in 1971 in Vienna. Since 2001, she has lived and worked in Rome. Although art has always been a part of her life, she began focusing intensively on painting only about two years ago. Her works are characterized by a unique play with light and shadow, as well as deliberate white spaces that break the classical hyperrealist approach.

Artistic Statement

“Per chi non teme i limiti della luce” – For those who do not fear the limits of light

In my painting, light is not only a means of representation but a central expressive element. I enjoy playing with light and shadow and intentionally leaving white spaces in my works. These blank areas are not accidental—they are an essential part of my visual language. Often, part of a face remains almost incomplete, suggested only by a few lines and shadows. The ear, the contours of the cheeks, or even half a face can disappear into the white space.

This conscious reduction breaks with classical hyperrealism, which I seek to avoid. Rather than photographic perfection, my goal is to evoke emotion and depth. Through the interplay of presence and abstraction, a tension arises that challenges the viewer. What do we truly see — and how does the image complete itself in our perception?

Each of my portraits is a visual reflection on human existence. I aim to capture the essence of a person—not just their outward appearance, but the depth of their emotions. Love, hope, anger, sorrow, and joy are universal experiences that connect us all.

My painting is not a depiction—it is a search. A philosophy in color.