A Unique Viennese Collection of Art

An exclusive interview with David Ungar-Klein

- IDA SALAMON

It began 15 years ago as a spontaneous idea, during the Vienna Congress Com. sult organized by David Ungar-Klein. Over the years, some of the participants of the annual congress - very prominent, influential guests and Nobel prize laureates, people without artistic experiences, but with strong imaginations - were asked to paint what moved them deeply.

Using acrylic colors or pens, wearing long coats which resembled that of the famous painter Gustav Klimt at the turn of the last century, these famous personalities created a collection of outstanding artworks.

Art Market Magazine: You told us that at the time, you had not yet had thought of asking your first speaker at the Congress, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, to create a painting. You also forgot to ask the then President of Israel, Shimon Peres, about that. When did it all begin? What was the idea behind the project?

David Ungar-Klein: The speakers at the Vienna Congress are well-known people, who bring standards to new heights in their field and are key-players that drive and enable progress in our world. It was a spontaneous idea originating from a conversation in 2005 that made manager of the century, Jack Welch, personally paint a picture for me.

He told me that he had never attempted artistic activities before. I asked him to think of something extraordinary. He should use color on a canvas and with that expresses what moves him, looking deep in his heart, and what has a special place in his life.

The work features a red foundation, which Welch painted with acrylic paint and rough brush strokes.