Rainer Gross is a renowned German artist, originally from Cologne, who lives and works between New York and Long Island.
Rainer visited Awasi Iguazu, our 14 lodge Relais & Chateaux hotel surrounded by thick Atlantic forest minutes from the Iguazu Falls, as part of the Awasi Artist Immersion program.

Rennaisance man
Recognized for his early neo-expressionist works, sculpture and later for his abstraction, Rainer has held exhibitions around the world, including China, France, the US and Germany, the land of his birth.

Embracing an evolutionary approach to his artwork, Rainer has recently also incorporated photography into his work, reflected in his time spent at Awasi Iguazu.

A magical mystery tour de force
“For me, the Awasi experience was a magical mystery tour de force,” explains Rainer of his time spent at Iguazu.
“Spending a week as an artist in residence at this very special place in Argentina, near the borders of Brazil and Paraguay, opened my eyes, ears, and spirit to a fantastical adventure.”
“The hospitality”, he goes on, “and absolute charm of Awasi Iguazú and its hosts will forever be etched into my life.”

Facing the falls
During his residency, Rainer explored the majestic Iguazu Falls. He was captivated by their grandeur, and the raw power of nature, and the falls became the focal point of his artwork here.

Combining his distinctive brushwork with his newfound love of photography, Rainer created images of the waterfalls by enhancing wide-lens photographs he had taken with broad brushstrokes, capturing the vibrancy of the colours of the Atlantic Rainforest, clear blue skies, and the rushing cascades themselves.

Immersion
During his time at Awasi Iguazu, Rainer also spent time with members of the local Guarani community. This intercultural exchange fostered connections through a shared love of music, and he was even challenged to a chess match.
Rainer’s inventive and creative spirit shines through in his reinterpretation of Iguazu, capturing the iconic landscapes, depths and textures through his unique combination of artistic mediums.