Born in Austria in 1979. Lives and works in Linz, Austria. Studied at the Linz University of Art and Design and the Leipzig Academy of Fine Arts (Master Class Prof. Joachim Brohm).

Paul Kranzler is one of the few contemporary photographers who succeed in transposing the great tradition of 20th century documentary photography into the context of today’s art in a convincing and highly relevant manner. His work is known, above all, for its intensive engagement with social groups who, for cultural, economic or psychological reasons, find it difficult to assert their place in society. His photographs have often been described as brutally realistic, but they would not be possible without the photographer’s sensitive and sincere preoccupation with the respective conditions. Kranzler’s series owe their documentary as well as strong narrative qualities to his deep interest in people and their environment, in the way they live, feel and are shaped by the circumstances around them.

His photographs for INSIGHTS were taken at two locations in Vienna that are closely associated with wienerberger and its history: at the Wienerberg brick pond and the Blue Pond near the Bohemian Prater, a small amusement park on the outskirts of Vienna. For decades, those were the sites of two of the biggest brick factories of the time. “These places, where for people lived in utter misery and worked under ruthless circumstances a long time, have become a refuge for those seeking physical recreation and a slower pace of life. It’s wonderful”, says Paul Kranzler.

www.paulkranzler.com