Information
Every person carries within them an inexhaustible creative potential which, through dedication and perseverance, becomes a unique expression of inner brilliance.
The Basis of Structuristic Art
Every person is unique, and their individual personality can be wonderfully developed through artistic activity. Visual art, particularly painting, holds tremendous power to activate and fulfil creative potential. Two key aspects are involved: natural talent and the will to perform.
Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) said:
“Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.”
Human abilities are genetically embedded from birth. They require a ‘trigger’ to be fruitfully revealed, often seemingly by chance. In contrast, the will, discipline, and perseverance to acquire and develop a skill require energy, trust, and confidence.
The founder of Structuristic Art believes that everyone can achieve genius, provided they free themselves from external constraints and passionately master one or more inner talents. In doing so, a personal life purpose can be found, recognised, and individually realised.
The Origin of Structuristic Art
Swiss communication analyst and artist-philosopher Felix Stoffel discovered the Structuristic painting technique by chance in 1982. He soon recognised its positive impact in social contexts and developed Structurism—an art concept based on philosophical, educational, and psychological foundations. Stylistically, it is a synthesis of Impressionism and Expressionism.
Stoffel focused increasingly on the practical application of his art method. He connected its theoretical basis to existing concepts, especially ‘Social Sculpture’ by the action artist Joseph Beuys (1921–1986), who advocated that everyone can be creatively active for the benefit of society.
Beuys coined the phrase “Everyone is an artist.” Although he enriched artistic discourse with this idea, he never proved it practically. The Structuristic method, through decades of development, provides that proof: anyone can be an artist—at least in visual art—if they so wish.
When the first Structuristic Art School opened in Chur in 1997, its aim was to reach wide audiences. Its well-crafted yet easily learnable technique enabled this goal.
Several more schools were established, mostly in German-speaking regions. Lectures, courses, and workshops were held internationally in both public and private settings.
The Foundation of Structuristic Art
Structuristic Art is inherently inclusive. Among over 600 students from more than 20 nations are people with physical and/or psychological impairments (although its therapeutic value is a fact, it’s not promoted solely for this purpose).
No prior knowledge or special talent is needed to create original and high-quality work in a short time. The youngest pupil was two, the oldest 89.
The inclusive nature of this artistic activity has demonstrably benefited many social groups. Over 2,600 officially registered Structuristic artworks exist (unregistered signed works likely number much higher).
To date, no other stylistic art movement worldwide has fostered such a large collective.