The Hahnenkamm Races “radical design”
Golif created an eye-catching black and white design for the 85th Hahnenkamm Races. An exhibition dedicated to the Tyrolean artist’s work is open to the public until the end of April. Austria’s ORF 1 channel will be screening a documentary entitled ‘The Art of the Hahnenkamm Races’ on Sunday evening at 18.50 hrs.
The motif for the 2025 Hahnenkamm Race poster was designed by a Tyrolean artist of international repute: Golif. Already an established name on the global art scene, the artist, who was born in Austria’s Außerfern region, is now the talk of the town after winning the traditional competition to create the (aesthetic) promotional image for the races. Golif first came to prominence through his over-dimensional projects, such as the 30,000-square metre painting, “Der Beobachter – the Observer” in Vienna, or his artwork on an agricultural storage facility near Korneuburg. In 2019, he was one of the protagonists of the ‘Take Over’ exhibition at Vienna Museum – which attracted a record number of visitors. Golif's works can be found all over the world, from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and his exhibitions in Germany, France, Luxembourg and New York attract legions of admirers. Most recently, Vienna Museum acquired three of his paintings and a sculpture for its collection.
The artist, who has been living in Vienna since 2009, submitted three different designs for the Hahnenkamm poster competition, “and the jury chose the most radical one,” says the snowboarding enthusiast proudly. Describing his image, he says: “The white paper represents the steep slope, along which a skier is hurtling downwards. Rapid strokes and the blurring of lines are intended to represent speed.” His design was selected from a total of 306 submissions, sent in by 157 entrants.
Along with Euro 7,000 in prize money, Golif was happy to accept a VIP invitation to the races. He wouldn’t call himself an avid fan of the Ski World Cup, but “I grew up surrounded by winter sports in Tyrol.” Perhaps experiencing the 85th Hahnenkamm Races live will convert him into an Alpine ski fan.
Markus Bodner, President of Kitzbühel Tennis Club, has been a Golif fan for many years. He has converted his family’s former business premises at Unteren Gänsbachgasse in Kitzbühel for an exhibition and invites all interested parties to visit. An impressive cross-section of Golif’s work can be seen, including of course, the painting that serves as the blueprint for the Hahnenkamm poster. “Golif Studio Kitzbühel” at 10 Untere Gänsbachgasse, is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 17 to 19.30 hrs (and by appointment by calling +43 664 44 31292)
The Hahnenkamm Races Poster Contest has been held since 1990 in conjunction with the Bank für Tirol und Vorarlberg Aktiengesellschaft. Golif's work is available in poster form at BTV branches, Kitzbühel Sparkasse bank, Kitzbühel Tourist Offices, Kitzbühel Museum and the KSC office. Proceeds go to the Ski Club's junior programme.
“The Art of the Hahnenkamm Races”: 19th January, ORF 1, 18.50 hrs (in German).
Photo © K.S.C./alpinguin, Golif
