At the centre of Herbert Hinteregger’s work is the use of ballpoint pen ink as pigment or material. The ink is used as a material in the sense that he attempts to use this industrial product in various ways – thinned, as a glaze, and also in the physical application with different surfaces and degrees of gloss. These very interesting aspects of pure craftsmanship are nevertheless only foundations for the frequently monochromatic pictorial themes which are impressive in their thoroughness and consistency. Paradoxically, these are simultaneously very different in the impressions they produce. Paradoxical because it is surprising that pictures which are so reduced, in aspect of colour and visible qualities, nevertheless enable such a rich spectrum of perceptual experience.

It appears that the colour effects, pigments and techniques of painting (which have always been particularly fascinating for painters of every era of production) have such a great influence on Hinteregger that he consciously avoids narrative pictures in order to be able to reveal exactly this content, and its beauty.

Paul Katzberger, 2005 (translation: Tim Sharp)