About
Short Bio
Mirjam Schrei (*1998) is a visual artist based in Graz, working primarily in drawing and painting. She works as an independent artist in her studio at Schaumbad – Freies Atelierhaus Graz, where she is also a board member. She studied Graphic Design and Photography at University of Arts Linz and completed two semesters as a guest student in Fine Arts at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is held in private collections in Germany, Colombia, Serbia, Hungary, and Austria.
Artist Portrait. Photo: Katharina Klinger
CV
Artist Statement
In my artistic practice, I explore light as a symbol of hope and the question of how a fleeting moment can be captured through drawing and painting.
I work with oil, ballpoint pen, and colored pencil, combining these techniques in my works. Photographic moments often serve as a starting point, which I develop further through these media. I am interested not in mere representation, but in the atmosphere inherent in a moment – and in what remains beyond what can be seen.
Light is a central element of my work. As a metaphor for hope, it represents what connects, makes visible, and creates space between us.
Education
since 2025
Master School for Painting, Higher Technical Education Institute Ortweinschool Graz
2020—2024
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Photography. University of Arts Linz
2022—2023
Study abroad, Fine Arts, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá
2013—2018
Graphic and Communication Design, Higher Technical Education Institute Ortweinschool Graz
Exhibitions (Selection)
2026
The Four Elements. 40th GébArt International Artist Colony, Gönczi Gallery, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. Curated by Csaba Filp
2026
Beyond Boundaries: Graz Painting Perspectives. 8. Biennial for Painting. Galerija Klovićevi Dvori Zagreb, Croatia. Curated by Luise Kloos
2026
The Human Condition. Kunsthalle Graz
2026
Schiele Award 2026. Exhibition and Charity Auction. Palais Eschenbach, Vienna
2026
Werkschau: The new Tradition. Schaumbad – Freies Atelierhaus Graz.
Curated by Miro Schober
2026
POP-UP ArtMarket. Neutorgasse 49, Graz
2026
Lichtblicke. Raum der Stille, Vienna Main Station (Solo)
2025
New Year’s Exhibition. Kornjača Gallery. Belgrade, Serbia
2025
Beyond Boundaries: Graz Painting Perspectives. 8. Biennial for Painting. Kovačić Macolić Gallery Varaždin, Croatia. Curated by Luise Kloos
2025
Collective Drift. Gallery OÖKunstverein. Ursulinenhof, Landstrasse 31, Linz
2025
Vernissage Mirjam Schrei. Parish Hall of Münzgraben Church Graz (Solo)
2025
Features of immutable realities. 7. International Interdisciplinary C. S. Lewis Conference. Alexandru Ioan Cuza University Iasi, Romania
2025
Portraits of Us. Dance performance by Carolina Avellaneda and Juliana Vargas Rodríguez with the artwork of Mirjam Schrei. Schaumbad – Freies Atelierhaus Graz
2025
Atmosphäre des Moments (Oberdeck #22 & Art Brunch #95). Schaumbad – Freies Atelierhaus Graz (Solo)
2025
One Moment… Enoteca MT. Mariatroster Strasse 142a, Graz (Solo)
2025
TRAUMIMPORT. MOM art space. Hamburg, Germany
2025
Werkschau: Expectations. Schaumbad – Freies Atelierhaus Graz.
Curated by Marlies Schöck
2025
Crteža i akvarela. Kornjača Gallery. Belgrade, Serbia
2024
New Year’s Exhibition. Kornjača Gallery. Belgrade, Serbia
2024
aus podest. Gallery OÖKunstverein. Ursulinenhof, Landstrasse 31, Linz
2024
POP-UP ArtMarket. Neutorgasse 49, Graz
2024
BestOFF24. University of Arts Linz. Curated by Katharina Struber
2024
Encounters. Austrian Cultural Forum Belgrade / Kornjača Gallery, Serbia (Solo)
2024
nightfever / Lange Nacht der Kirchen (Long Night of Churches), Carmelite Church Linz, Landstraße 33 (Solo)
2024
lost & found. HABAKUK. Freistädterstraße 317b, Linz
2023
Con Relación a Relaciones (In Relation to Relationships). TabulaRasa Parkway Bogotá, Colombia
2022
Lo que no querían mostrar (What they did not want to show). Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. Curated by Vanessa Nieto Romero
2022
Fake Truths. University of Arts Linz. Postkeller, Domgasse 1
2022
Frisiersalon / a Window Display Exhibition. Atelierhaus Salzamt / University of Arts Linz, Pfarrgasse 15. Curated by Angela Stief
2021
BestOFF 2021. University of Arts Linz, splace am Hauptplatz. Curated by Angela Stief
2019
Pointlessness Exhibition. Association Junge Kunst, Hangar X Reininghausgründe Graz
Other Projects
2025
Artist Residency 40th GébArt International Artist Colony, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary
2026
Curated and organized the sales exhibition POP-UP Art Market.
Neutorgasse 49, Graz
2025
Artist Residency Her:Berge, temporary use and cultural activation project, Eibiswald. Culture Department of the Province of Styria / St.A.I.R. am Land. Curated by Nina Ortner
2025
Workshop How are you?, Wundertüte – Culture for the Young Graz.
Schaumbad – Freies Atelierhaus Graz / City of Graz
2024
Curated and organized the sales exhibition POP-UP Art Market.
Neutorgasse 49, Graz
2024
Curated and organized the group exhibition lost & found.
HABAKUK, Freistädterstraße 317b, Linz
2023
Organized the group exhibition Con Relación a Relaciones (In Relation to Relationships). Tabula Rasa, Bogotá, Colombia
2016
Volunteer, Open Studio, Universalmuseum Joanneum, Graz
2016
Contribution in the field of illustration, Die Kleine Zeitung gezeichnet created as part of THE BIG DRAW, Kleine Zeitung / Kunsthaus Graz
2016
Bodypainting, 7th International Kids’ Carnival, La Biennale di Venezia, Italy
2015
Bodypainting, 6th International Kids’ Carnival, La Biennale di Venezia, Italy
2015
Motif Design, KoOgle Workshop Bühnenlandschaft, Kunsthaus Graz
Scholarships and Prizes
2026
Nominee, Schiele Award 2026, Rotary Club Tulln & Rotary Club Wien-Albertina
2023
Merit Sholarship, University of Arts Linz
2021
Merit Sholarship, University of Arts Linz
2015
Scholarship Summer Course on Ancient Layered Painting, International Academy of
Fine Arts Hortus Niger Halbenrain