Emil Rizek (31 May 1901 – 1988) was an Austrian painter, known for his realistic depictions of landscapes, cityscapes and genre scenes. Born in Vienna to an electrical engineer, he studied privately with Anton Hlavatschek and Carl Fahringer, a professor at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts.
In the 1920s, Rizek travelled through Italy, France, Germany and the Netherlands, where he came into contact with the Hague School, a group of Dutch Impressionists. His continuing financial difficulties in Vienna motivated him to travel the world in search of adventure, artistic inspiration and more affordable living. Between 1928 and 1931, he visited Indonesia, where he recorded daily life in Java, Bali and Sumatra.
From 1932 to 1935, he travelled through Canada, the United States, Japan and South Africa. In 1938, he taught painting in Oakland, California, and created etchings of San Francisco's Chinatown.
After returning to Vienna, Rizek joined the Vienna Artists' Cooperative. During World War II, he served as a war artist and reporter for the Wehrmacht from 1941, primarily in Finland. At the end of the war, he was captured by the British Army and spent ten months as a prisoner of war in East Frisia. These experiences left him emotionally drained, making it difficult for him to return to painting.
As his creative energy returned, he made annual trips to East Frisia, where he created works that demonstrate a careful observation of light. In 1963, the Vienna Artists' Guild awarded Rizek a special gold medal in recognition of his artistic achievements.
Rizek's oeuvre is characterized by realistic depictions of everyday life, with a particular focus on workers and everyday existence. His travels and experiences gave his work a unique depth and perspective, making him a versatile and internationally recognized artist.
