Viktoria Koestler is a visual artist based in Zurich, Switzerland, and France. Renowned for her captivating oil landscapes and their signature bold red outer edges, she operates under the brand name "RedOutside."
mail@redoutside.com
Originally from Munich, Viktoria Koestler has made Zurich her home and castles in France as her creative outlet. Location is crucial to her; she gets inspiration by creating in her studio, in an old factory in the center of Zurich, as well as residing in castles in France during summertime.
Her journey in art took a professional turn in 2016 when she transitioned from working for a management consultancy to fully dedicating herself to art.
Viktoria mainly paints with oil paints and draws inspiration from the natural world, and the craftsmanship involved in working with precious metals, like 24-carat gold.
With her art, Viktoria wants people to dive deeper into the layers of their psyche and their subconsciousness and to integrate the dualities of life.
Her art has crossed international borders, with exhibitions in various countries. Notably, in 2019, Viktoria held her first solo exhibition in New York City.
My signature story
As a child, I often pondered what life would be like if I were born in a different era. I was curious about what existed before life and what follows after death. Even at a young age, I didn't see birth as the beginning or death as the end. Nighttime felt special to me, offering a sense of security as the world slept, creating a space where I felt most creative—an "in-between existence."
I've always been drawn to old and monumental buildings, intrigued by their past stories. It's fascinating how stepping into a room can change your emotional state, as if the energies of those who once lived there linger, mixing joy with the complexities of human experiences.
Since childhood, I've used my creativity to shape my internal world, making external realities more manageable. Through painting and my overall creative approach—how I think, solve problems, and view the world—I unlock other realms for myself and those who appreciate my art.
In my work, I blend traditional and modern techniques with oil paints, focusing on light, mood, perspective, and real gold to transport viewers to different emotional and mental states. Light and reflections are crucial in my landscapes. My interest in real gold, sparked by a gilding workshop in New York City in 2019, led me to incorporate 24-carat gold into my art, symbolizing hope in times of uncertainty.
My art resonates with those who appreciate nature's beauty and force, the allure of historic buildings, and a deep interest in gold. I aim for my paintings to convey a royal and majestic feel but with a contemporary twist, including digital enhancements to inspire my creativity further. My themes explore the impact of nature and historical buildings on our emotions and thoughts, whether inspirational or unsettling. I ponder life's big questions and the pivotal moments that redefine our existence, seeking enlightenment in solitude, companionship, or art.
I desire my art to inspire hope and reflection on life's values, appealing to those who appreciate craftsmanship and the beauty of nature.