As early as 1960, he was enjoying great success in New York. Clement Greenberg, one of the most influential American art critics, regarded Hollegha as being on par with the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism. He exhibited in the U.S. alongside Helen Frankenthaler, Morris Louis, and Kenneth Noland.

The youngest Austrian recipient of the Guggenheim Award and participant in documenta III decided, despite this international recognition, against pursuing a career in the art capitals: In 1962, Hollegha purchased a 17th-century farmhouse on the Rechberg north of Graz and built a studio there entirely according to his own vision. In this secluded setting, he developed his colorful, often monumental body of work over six decades—a body of work that can be explored at the Museum Reinhard Ernst starting in March. The exhibition film will also be shown as part of the closing event.

The Reinhard Ernst Collection also offers a moving reunion with Hollegha’s companions.
 
An exhibition by the Reinhard Ernst Museum in collaboration with the Neue Galerie Graz/Universalmuseum Joanneum.