Known for exploring the parallels between religious practices and art, Hermann Nitsch attempts to create art as close to life as possible. A main figure in the 60s Viennese Actionism movement, his work reveals his fascination with transgressive actions as he confronts deeply psychoanalytical themes. Compelled by intensity in art, his provocative works are a way to seek catharsis through creative expression.

In the 50s Nitsch developed the Orgien Mysterien Theater staging nearly 100 shows, which became the foundational concept of the rest of his work. Rooted in sensory experiences, the radical performances referenced rituals and mythology which he named ‘Aktionen’ often using blood, flesh, animal entrails and a multitude of unorthodox materials. 

“I am the artist who is into meat and blood, which is an incredibly interesting field. It’s just that for most people it’s hard to get used to because they don’t have to deal with it that much.”

Eventually seeing jail time for his explicit and grotesque performances, he began travelling outside of Austria to continue staging ‘Aktions’ seeing both success and increased encounters with the police. By the 60s, he had merged this into paintings holding an exhibition in Vienna.

In the 90s, Nitsch continued to express interest in human existence, particularly sacrifice and Freudian theory, referencing Greek hero, Oedipus in a sculpture. According to Greek mythology, Oedipus fulfilled a prophecy of unknowingly killing his father and marrying his mother. Realising his actions, he gouged his own eyes in disgust, blinding himself. An attempt to re-enact the blinding of Oedipus, Nitsch crafted a white bust with blood soaked bandages around the eyes, depicting his violent sacrifice.

Typically referenced in art, Oedipus by Hermann Nitsch found its way to Young Thug serving as album art for Slime Season. Before the release of the mixtape, Thug took to IG to announce he would be selecting a fan’s work for the cover which raised questions when Oedipus was chosen. In 2016 the cover was reworked for Slime Season 3, featuring Thug’s own face in place of Oedipus.