Ralf Kunstmann

My photorealistic painting technique distinguishes itself through exceptional attention to detail and astonishing depth of field.

In comparison to traditional painting techniques, which often involve a certain degree of interpretation and abstraction, I strive to depict my subjects as lifelike as possible.I use a combination of digital tools for preparation and traditional techniques to reproduce textures, light effects, and shadows with the utmost precision. My ability to capture the finest details and nuances in my works sets me apart from many other artists.

While in classical painting, brushstrokes and the individual signature of the artist remain visible, I aim to minimize these elements in my photorealistic works to achieve an almost photographic quality. This technical finesse, coupled with my ability to convey emotional depth and a strong visual narrative, makes my works fascinating studies of reality, often prompting viewers to question the boundaries between painting and photography.

Education as a Display Designer/Visual Merchandiser 1975-79

Self-employed as an Artist and Illustrator since 1991.

Worked for advertising agencies and the publishing industry. In the 1990s, collaborated with airbrush magazines and conducted airbrush demonstrations for retail and at trade shows.

Around 1998, transitioned to digital media. Occasionally created artworks in traditional painting thereafter. After that, I occasionally created artwork using traditional painting techniques. It was always a welcome change of pace. From the mid-1990s through 2022, I worked primarily as an illustrator for advertising agencies and publishers in Germany and Switzerland. I created cover illustrations and high-quality product illustrations for well-known clients.

2022 returned to original roots. Painting with acrylic and oil paints.

Awards

2003 among the winners of the 1st German Photoshop Award. Multiple times among the winners of the DOCMA Award, a competition by DOCMA Magazine.

2024 Nomination in the "Metropolitan Melodies" competition, the New York Art Competition. One of the winners of the 39th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition. In 2026, selected for the longlist of the Alemenara Art Prize, featuring participants from 69 countries.

Excerpts from My Exhibitions:

2026

Kunstsalon, freie Münchner und Deutsche Künstlerschaft E.V., FMDK, Online,

Autum Salon KVE Erlangen, Kunstpalais, group exhibition

2025/August Agora Gallery, New York, group exhibition

2025

New York ArtExpo digital at the Artboxxy booth

Thomson Gallery, Zug, Switzerland, digital with Artboxxy

2024/25, group exhibition

Autumn Salon KVE Erlangen, Kunstpalais, group exhibition

2024

Venice, Biennale Artbox Expo Venezia 2.0, Cipriarte Gallery, Venice/Italy, digital

2023

Kunstmuseum Erlangen, as part of the Autumn Salon 2023, group exhibition

Guest artist at the Kunstverein "Freisinger Mohr," group exhibition

Zurich as part of the ARTBOX.PROJECT Zurich 5.0 for SWISSARTEXPO 2023, digital

New York as part of the ARTBOX.PROJECT 2.0 for ArtExpo 2023, digital

2016

As part of the Great Fair in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria with Ars Artis, group exhibition

consumART 2016, Nuremberg, group exhibition

2015/2016

Galerie Treppenhaus, Erlangen, Ralf Kunstmann | Realism Yesterday & Today, solo exhibition

2014

Stadtmuseum Schwabach, special exhibition "Golden World," group exhibition

2012

DOCMA Award, Museum of Communication, Frankfurt, group exhibition

2011

Galerie im Malzhaus, Plauen, "In the Realm of Fantasy," group exhibition

2010

Galerie des Kunstvereins Erlangen, "Ralf Kunstmann | Picture Worlds," solo exhibition

2008

Galerie Artnori at Schloss Lichtenfels – "From Image to Symbol" Galerie Artnori – small studio Fürth – "Counterworlds," both group exhibitions

2007

Endress & Partner Law Firm, Nuremberg, solo exhibition

Christmas exhibition of the Kunstverein Erlangen (competition process), group exhibition

2003

Photoshop Award, Berlin, Willy Brandt-Haus

Christmas exhibition of the Kunstverein Erlangen (competition process), group exhibitions

1998

Auto Salon Nuremberg "Car & Art" Exhibition – Co-organizer, collective exhibition

International Airbrush Forum '98, group exhibition

1997

IFA '97 in Berlin at the Metz booth, solo exhibition

Christmas exhibition of the Kunstverein Erlangen (competition process), group exhibition

1995

SIS in Paris, group exhibition

1994

City-Center Fürth, solo exhibition

@All images courtesy of Ralf Kunstmann