Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Beyond

thomas riesner, 2023

Name Class Date
thomas riesner, Beyond (2023). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder.

The facts

Artist
thomas riesner artsdot.com/en/artists/thomas-riesner/
Artist’s dates
1971 – ?
Painted
2023
Medium
Indian Ink
Original size
21 x 15 cm
Movement
Art Brut
Period
Contemporary
Artistic style
Art Brut
Subject or theme
Creature with red limbs and large eyes

Copyright This work is treated as still under copyright. thomas riesner was born in 1971 and has no recorded death date; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Aug. 26, 2026

Beyond — thomas riesner Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Beyond — thomas riesner

How big is it?

The original measures 21 × 15 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1970
  2. 1980
  3. 1990
  4. 2000
  5. 2010
  6. 2020

Shaded: the lifetime of thomas riesner (1971–?) ▲ this work, 2023

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/thomas-riesner-beyond-D3GQ7X-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Phthalo Green #212a26

    Catalogued palette

    • #212A26
    • #76704E
    • #F8F8D9
    • #EDE057
    Palette
    Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Phthalo Green
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Balanced Harmony How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Aug. 26, 2026

    Beyond — thomas riesner Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Beyond — thomas riesner

    A Descent into the Visceral: Encountering Thomas Riesner’s Beyond

    In the hauntingly evocative realm of Thomas Riesner, the boundaries between the known and the unknown dissolve into a singular, striking vision. His 2023 work, Beyond, serves as a profound gateway into the artist's mastery of the Art Brut tradition—a movement defined by its raw, uninhibited, and psychologically naked expression. Upon first encounter, the viewer is met with a creature that defies conventional biological logic; a being possessing elongated, crimson limbs that seem to stretch toward the edges of our perception. This entity, rendered with a startling intensity, stares back at the observer with dual, wide-set eyes, creating an inescapable psychological tension that bridges the gap between the canvas and the soul.

    The technical execution of Beyond is a testament to Riesner’s command over Indian ink. The medium allows for a deep, velvety darkness that anchors the composition, providing a somber, moody atmosphere where shadows feel heavy and tangible. Against this obsidian backdrop, the artist employs a deliberate palette of fiery reds and luminous yellows, punctuated by subtle, verdant green accents. This high-contrast interplay does more than just create visual drama; it simulates a flickering, primordial light, as if we are witnessing a creature emerging from the depths of a fever dream. The fluid yet precise linework characteristic of Riesner’s style lends the piece an organic, almost breathing quality, making the monstrous subject feel disturbingly alive.

    Symbolically, Beyond invites a deep meditation on the concept of the "other." The creature, while appearing demonic or monstrous at a glance, embodies the primal fears and fascinations that reside in the subconscious. It represents the threshold of human understanding—the point where logic fails and instinct takes over. For the collector or the interior designer, this piece offers much more than mere decoration; it provides a focal point of profound emotional gravity. Its presence in a curated space can transform a room into a gallery of contemplation, challenging guests to look past the surface and confront the beautiful, terrifying mysteries that lie just beyond the veil of reality.

    Whether you are an art enthusiast drawn to the raw energy of German contemporary expression or a designer seeking a provocative statement piece for a modern interior, Beyond stands as a monumental achievement in miniature scale. It is a work that demands attention, rewards close inspection, and leaves an indelible mark on the psyche long after one has turned away from its gaze.

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Aug. 26, 2026

    Beyond — thomas riesner Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    thomas riesner

    Born in Leipzig, Germany

    early life and the genesis of artistic expression

    thomas riesner, born in 1971 in leipzig, germany, embarked on his artistic journey in the early 1990s. this period marked the beginning of an intensive engagement with painting, which would eventually become the cornerstone of his oeuvre.

    artistic genre and medium diversification

    thomas riesner's work is intrinsically linked to the art brut genre, characterized by its raw, unbridled expression. his creative palette extends beyond painting, incorporating drawing, etching, and other mediums. this versatility not only showcases his technical dexterity but also underscores his innate desire for experimentation.

    notable artworks and their significance

    powerlessness:1 (41 x 30 cm, art brut, indian ink) - a poignant example of riesner's ability to evoke powerful emotions through minimalist compositions.

    transitoriness (41 x 30 cm, art brut, indian ink) - this piece encapsulates the ephemeral nature of human experience, a theme prevalent in riesner's body of work.

    untitled (20 x 25 cm, art brut, indian ink) - demonstrates riesner's propensity for exploring the abstract, often resulting in deeply introspective pieces.

    museum collections and online platforms

    while thomas riesner's work is not exclusively housed in a single museum, his art can be found on various online platforms. for enthusiasts and collectors, AllPaintingsStore's collection of thomas riesner's artworks serves as an invaluable resource, offering a comprehensive overview of his artistic trajectory.

    conclusion

    thomas riesner's oeuvre, characterized by its unflinching honesty and creative experimentation, solidifies his position within the art brut movement. as we continue to navigate the complexities of human emotion through art, riesner's work stands as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of creativity.

    visit thomas riesner's powerlessness:1 to delve deeper into his art brut expression.

    explore the thomas riesner gallery on AllPaintingsStore for an extensive collection of his artworks.

    discover more about thomas riesner's artistic world and the art brut movement through these resources: the museum collection hugo fischer (bühl, germany) thomas riesner | AllPaintingsStore

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Beyond

    artsdot.com/en/art/download/thomas-riesner-beyond-D3GQ7X-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    riesner, thomas. Beyond. 2023, https://artsdot.com/en/art/thomas-riesner-beyond-D3GQ7X-en/
    APA
    riesner, thomas (2023). Beyond [Painting]. https://artsdot.com/en/art/thomas-riesner-beyond-D3GQ7X-en/
    Chicago
    thomas riesner. Beyond. 2023. https://artsdot.com/en/art/thomas-riesner-beyond-D3GQ7X-en/
    Harvard
    riesner, thomas (2023) Beyond. Available at: https://artsdot.com/en/art/thomas-riesner-beyond-D3GQ7X-en/

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Aug. 26, 2026

    Beyond — thomas riesner Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Beyond — thomas riesner

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: creature, red arms, large eyes. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Fear 2 15×21cm Ink ×paper 2022 (2022), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. thomas riesner was about 52 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.