HYPNOSIA II - WITH OPEN EYES 1971

Ernst Fuchs made this bronze sculpture called "Hypnosia II - With Open Eyes". The imagery in Hypnosia is surreal, combining elements of mythology, spirituality, and the subconscious. This work reflects the cultural currents of post-war Europe, particularly in Austria, where Fuchs co-founded the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism. Here, the artist critiques the dominance of abstract expressionism and the institutional preference for non-figurative art. Fuchs, with his colleagues, embraced a return to representation, drawing inspiration from historical masters, religious symbolism, and the burgeoning interest in psychoanalysis. The sculpture's title evokes Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, but the open eyes suggest a state of heightened awareness or dreamlike vision. This challenges the viewer to consider the boundaries between reality and fantasy. To fully understand this piece, we can look into the manifestos and exhibition records of the Vienna School, as well as contemporary writings on surrealism and fantastic art.