Oliver Schopf

A cartoonist who takes a stand! Oliver Schopf, long-time cartoonist for “Der Standard”, captures current events on paper with humor and precision. This major solo exhibition at the Karikaturmuseum Krems showcases the full spectrum of his work—from caricatures and courtroom sketches to large-format watercolors and still lifes.

Oliver Schopf is regarded as a master of critical drawing. Since 1988, he has commented on events in Austria and around the world for the Austrian daily newspaper “Der Standard”. The works of the Tyrolean-born artist can also be found in international media such as “Die Zeit”, “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, “Le Monde”, “The Guardian”, and “El País”.

Born in 1960, Schopf has also developed a distinctive style as a courtroom artist. His drawings not only document important trials but also capture subtle thought and decision-making processes.

A naked René Benko wandering from paradise to the courtroom dock, a government trojan horse reimagined as a wired Statue of Liberty, or prominent figures from the world of chess: the works—created in traditional ink or digitally—tackle current issues and personal passions with pointed insight. The exhibition guides visitors through caricatures on politics, economics, and society. Particular attention is given to Schopf’s courtroom drawings, which vividly illustrate landmark cases such as the BUWOG scandal, the BAWAG affair, and proceedings involving Blauensteiner and Udo Proksch. The large-format watercolors on building construction, the environment, and architecture, as well as still lifes, landscape drawings, illustrations, and studies, make a visit to the museum a multifaceted and engaging experience.

In cooperation with the Stiftung Forum Verfassung, selected caricatures by Schopf also illustrate the central duties of the Constitutional Court.

Curators: Gottfried Gusenbauer and Anna Steinmair