Helmut Koller

This season, we are proud to collaborate with Helmut Koller, an internationally acclaimed painter who represents the long tradition of independent artist studios in the Palm Beaches. His vibrant works will be on view in the Historic Courtroom throughout the season. All artworks will be available for purchase, with 10% of the proceeds benefiting the Historical Society.

Helmut Koller is an Austrian-born artist best known for his bold, colorful, and festive animal paintings, which have garnered collectors across America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Raised in the Austrian countryside, Koller trained as a photographer and began his career as the official photographer for the Vienna State Opera. During his seven-year tenure, he photographed legendary performers such as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Rudolf Nureyev, and published several books, including Women Over 30, Elektra, and Opera Live.

In pursuit of greater creative freedom, Koller moved to Manhattan and later settled in Palm Beach, where he continues to live and work. In 1987, he transitioned from photography to painting with his first collection, Homage to Egon Schiele. He later explored historic Native American portraits and figurative acrylics before focusing on his now-signature animal paintings in 1997.

Koller’s vibrant “new pop” style debuted in Vienna in 1998 and made its U.S. premiere at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas the following year. His work was represented internationally until 2016 and continues to attract collectors worldwide.