Dresden-based painter Steffen Gröbner is bringing his romantic landscape paintings to Upper Lusatia for the first time, with a comprehensive exhibition opening at the Faktorenhof in Eibau. The show, titled "The Romantic Soul of Upper Lusatia," features 65 paintings that capture the picturesque beauty of the region through the artist's specialized plein air technique.
Gröbner, who travels extensively throughout Upper Lusatia equipped with brushes and paints, has dedicated his artistic career to romantic landscape painting. His works showcase a broad spectrum of locations across the region, including Bautzen, Löbau, the areas around Eibau and Oderwitz, as well as the Zittau Mountains featuring Mount Oybin. The exhibition marks both his first showing at the Faktorenhof and his debut exhibition anywhere in the Upper Lusatia region.
Born in Dresden in 1974, Gröbner brings a rich artistic background to his landscape work. He trained as a porcelain painter and completed his artistic education at the drawing school of the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Following this foundation, he continued his studies in painting and graphics under various academic painters and at the Meissen Youth Art School. For over 20 years, Gröbner has worked as a freelance artist, with his style particularly influenced by romantic plein air painting traditions.
All the works displayed in this exhibition are being shown publicly for the first time, creating a unique opportunity for viewers to see previously unseen pieces. While some older works created during his painting trips are included, the majority of the paintings were created specifically for this exhibition. Gröbner explains that all his paintings follow the tradition of the Dresden painting school, being created directly on location through plein air techniques, which allows for immediate engagement with the subject matter and atmosphere.
Mount Oybin holds special significance for the artist, having fascinated him since his youth. He recalls painting his first landscape directly on location there at just twelve years old. "This region is of great importance to my artistic work," Gröbner states. "I feel very connected here and am repeatedly inspired by the beauty of the landscape."
The special exhibition will open with a vernissage on December 2nd at 5 PM and will remain on display until March 22nd. The showcase represents a significant cultural event for the region, offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to experience Upper Lusatia through the eyes of an artist deeply connected to its natural beauty and romantic character.
