c h r i s t i a n
l e i t n a
My artistic practice moves between photography and installation, guided by a sculptural approach.
I do not see photography as a purely documentary medium, but as a malleable material that reveals the tension between permanence and dissolution.
Combined with installation elements, it becomes part of a spatial composition that opens up new perspectives. Through the dialogue between material and space, I create works that address the fragility of perception, temporality, and transience.
Using a conceptual approach, I explore the fields of tension that define our postmodern present.
At the core of my work are the interactions between subjective and societal dynamics that shape and transform our perception.
My work oscillates between surface and depth, presence and absence, structure and deconstruction:
Dimensions that reflect both our everyday perceptual patterns and broader social structures.
Christian Leitna currently lives and works on planet Earth
1996–1999 Training as a sign and advertising technician
1999–2001 Freelance graphic designer and visual artist
2001–2008 Studies under Olaf Metzel at the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich
2005 Studies under Dean Hughes and Keith Brown, Faculty of Art and Design, Manchester, U.K.
Solo Exhibitions (Selection)
2023 Silence is.... Haus der Kunst / Goldene Bar, Munich
2022 The Perfect Nothing. Haus der Kunst / Goldene Bar, Munich
2020 Everything is not alright. Open Studio / Kunstarkaden, Kempten
2019 Silence is... Wabi Sabi Shibua, Munich
2018 No home, no castle. Living Studio, Stadtgalerie, Klagenfurt
2017 Essen ist fertig. Ruffinihaus, Munich
2016 VOID. arToxin Gallery, Munich
2015 New Works. Studio Exhibition, Munich
2014 Falscher Frühling. arToxin Gallery, Munich
2012 Colourblind. Färberei, Munich
2011 Deutsches Buffet. Firstlines Gallery, Munich
2010 Gesicherter Prolaps. Kirsch & Co, Munich
2007 Die nächste rechts, nach 300 Meter links. Galerie Hobbyshop, Munich
Group Exhibitions (Selection)
2025 Mit Dank Kunst erhalten. Stadtgalerie, Klagenfurt
2024 The Art of Munich. KBB, Munich
2023 Sammlung Hobbyshop. Berggut, Oschatz
2022 The Art of Munich. KBB, Munich
2021 Leihweise, Artothek. Munich
2020 A Quarantine Art Show. KBB, Munich
2019 Vater. Artothek, Munich
2018 Quo Vadis, Alpe-Adria-Galerie. Stadtgalerie, Klagenfurt
2017 Von Cranach zu Charlie Hebdo. Kunstverein Coburg
2016 Essentials, Haus der Kunst. Munich
2015 Summereditions. Reflektor M, Munich
2014 Lichtstrom Festival. Klenzepark, Ingolstadt
2013 Power of Glass. Gustav van Treeck GmbH, Munich
2012 Licht. Darmstädter Sezession, Darmstadt
2011 Young Art. Götz Foundation, Markt Oberndorf
2010 Heiter bis wolkig. Galerie der Künstler, Munich
2009 Bassart. Forum der Technik, Munich
2008 Neues Wetter. Halle 14, Baumwollspinnerei, Leipzig
2007 Urban Art and Media Organisation. Kunstarkaden, Munich
2006 Montags. Pudelkollektion, Hamburg
Awards / Residencies / Public Art Commissions (Selection)
2022 NN. Art in Architecture, Municipality of Neubiberg & Deutsche Bahn
2021 PENUMBRA. Art in Architecture, Municipality of Neufahrn & Deutsche Bahn
2020 Artist-in-Residence, Kunstarkaden, Kempten
2018 Award for Artistic Photography and New Media, Klagenfurt, Austria
2017 Studio Grant, BBK Munich
2014 Catalogue Funding, LfA Förderbank, Munich
2013 Project Grant, BSCW Foundation
2012 Studio Support, City of Munich
2009 Grüner Wanninger Award, Bavaria
2006 1st Prize Art in Architecture, City Library, Freising