Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Go in 3

Thomas Riesner, 2023

Name Class Date
Thomas Riesner, Go in 3 (2023). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Thomas Riesner topimpressionists.com/en/artists/thomas-riesner/
Artist’s dates
1971 –
Painted
2023
Medium
Painting
Original size
21 x 15 cm
Movement
Art Brut
Period
Contemporary
Artistic style
Vibrant, colorful, raw expression
Notable elements
Red creature, blue eyes, long hair
Subject or theme
Monster-human hybrid figure

Copyright This work is treated as still under copyright. Thomas Riesner was born in 1971 and has no recorded death date; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 24, 2026

Go in 3 — Thomas Riesner Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Go in 3 — Thomas Riesner

How big is it?

The original measures 21 × 15 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1970
  2. 1980
  3. 1990
  4. 2000
  5. 2010
  6. 2020

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span, counting 0 from birth.

Painted when the artist was 52. 43 of the 53 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

▲ this work, 2023 every dated painting, decade by decade

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/thomas-riesner-go-in-3-D3GQBG-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Teal #2a6e8f

    Catalogued palette

    • #2A6E8F
    • #C64225
    • #D8F0EE
    • #E6F21C

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Teal
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Discordant Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Vivid Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Thomas Riesner over the last twelve months — 2 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 85.7%
    2. 2 Germany 14.3%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 15 most looked-at works by Thomas Riesner

    1. 1 Arrive 2, 2022 17.6%
    2. 2 Shadow 1, 2023 11.8%
    3. 3 Soul Maze: 1, 2023 5.9%
    4. 4 Subsoil 15×21cm Ink ×paper 2022, 2022 5.9%
    5. 5 Dread 2 15×21cm Ink ×paper 2022, 2022 5.9%
    6. 6 Go in 1(1), 2023 5.9%
    7. 7 Nightmarish 2 15×21cm Ink ×paper 2022, 2022 5.9%
    8. 8 Soul Maze :2, 2023 5.9%
    9. 9 Feeling Faint 1 15×21cm Ink ×paper 2022, 2022 5.9%
    10. 10 Untitled, 2019 5.9%
    11. 11 Untitled, 2019 5.9%
    12. 12 Untitled, 2019 5.9%
    13. 13 Untitled, 2019 5.9%
    14. 14 IMAGE:21, 2019 5.9%
    15. — Go in 3, 2023 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 53 works by this artist, of which 14 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 24, 2026

    Go in 3 — Thomas Riesner Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Go in 3 — Thomas Riesner

    A Visceral Encounter with the Uncanny

    In the evocative realm of contemporary Art Brut, Thomas Riesner’s "Go in 3" emerges as a striking testament to the power of raw, unbridled expression. This 2023 creation invites the viewer into a monochromatic fever dream, dominated by a saturated, pulsating red that seems to vibrate with its own internal heat. At the heart of this crimson landscape stands a singular, enigmatic creature—a figure caught in the liminal space between human vulnerability and monstrous intensity. With piercing blue eyes that puncture the surrounding warmth, the entity gaztorches into the distance, suggesting a profound sense of longing or perhaps an impending transformation. The composition is anchored by long, flowing hair that cascades toward the ground, grounding the ethereal subject within the physical weight of the canvas.

    The technique employed in this piece reflects Riesner’s mastery over texture and emotional resonance. While the background maintains a deceptive simplicity through its monochromatic red palette, subtle blue accents emerge like whispers of cool air amidst a flame. This deliberate use of color contrast serves to heighten the psychological tension of the work, drawing the eye toward the creature's gaze and creating a sense of depth within an otherwise flattened, dreamlike space. The brushwork, though appearing fluid, carries an intentionality that speaks to the artist’s background in etching and Indian ink, lending a certain graphic strength to the figure's silhouette that is both haunting and mesmerizing.

    Symbolism and the Art Brut Spirit

    To understand "Go in 3" is to engage with the deeper philosophical currents of Riesner’s oeuvre. As an artist deeply rooted in the traditions of Art Brut, Riesner bypasses traditional aesthetic polish to tap into a more primal, subconscious layer of human experience. The creature itself acts as a powerful symbol of the "other"—the parts of our psyche that remain untamed and mysterious. The choice of red, a color synonymous with both life-force and danger, creates an atmosphere of urgency and passion. There is a palpable sense of transitoriness within the piece; the figure feels as though it is in the midst of a metamorphosis, caught in a fleeting moment of existence that is as beautiful as it is unsettling.

    For the discerning collector or interior designer, this artwork offers more than mere decoration; it provides a focal point for deep contemplation. The painting’s ability to command attention through its vibrant palette and intense subject matter makes it an extraordinary addition to a curated collection. Whether placed in a modern gallery setting or as a bold statement piece in a sophisticated residential interior, "Go in 3" serves as a window into the profound, often turbulent, beauty of the human spirit. It is a work that does not merely sit upon a wall but actively interacts with its environment, challenging the viewer to look beyond the surface and confront the magnificent unknown.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 24, 2026

    Go in 3 — Thomas Riesner Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Thomas Riesner

    Born in Leipzig, Germany

    early life and the genesis of artistic expression

    thomas riesner, born in 1971 in leipzig, germany, embarked on his artistic journey in the early 1990s. this period marked the beginning of an intensive engagement with painting, which would eventually become the cornerstone of his oeuvre.

    artistic genre and medium diversification

    thomas riesner's work is intrinsically linked to the art brut genre, characterized by its raw, unbridled expression. his creative palette extends beyond painting, incorporating drawing, etching, and other mediums. this versatility not only showcases his technical dexterity but also underscores his innate desire for experimentation.

    notable artworks and their significance

    powerlessness:1 (41 x 30 cm, art brut, indian ink) - a poignant example of riesner's ability to evoke powerful emotions through minimalist compositions.

    transitoriness (41 x 30 cm, art brut, indian ink) - this piece encapsulates the ephemeral nature of human experience, a theme prevalent in riesner's body of work.

    untitled (20 x 25 cm, art brut, indian ink) - demonstrates riesner's propensity for exploring the abstract, often resulting in deeply introspective pieces.

    museum collections and online platforms

    while thomas riesner's work is not exclusively housed in a single museum, his art can be found on various online platforms. for enthusiasts and collectors, AllPaintingsStore's collection of thomas riesner's artworks serves as an invaluable resource, offering a comprehensive overview of his artistic trajectory.

    conclusion

    thomas riesner's oeuvre, characterized by its unflinching honesty and creative experimentation, solidifies his position within the art brut movement. as we continue to navigate the complexities of human emotion through art, riesner's work stands as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of creativity.

    visit thomas riesner's powerlessness:1 to delve deeper into his art brut expression.

    explore the thomas riesner gallery on AllPaintingsStore for an extensive collection of his artworks.

    discover more about thomas riesner's artistic world and the art brut movement through these resources: the museum collection hugo fischer (bühl, germany) thomas riesner | AllPaintingsStore

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Go in 3

    topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/thomas-riesner-go-in-3-D3GQBG-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Riesner, Thomas. Go in 3. 2023, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/thomas-riesner-go-in-3-D3GQBG-en/
    APA
    Riesner, Thomas (2023). Go in 3 [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/thomas-riesner-go-in-3-D3GQBG-en/
    Chicago
    Thomas Riesner. Go in 3. 2023. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/thomas-riesner-go-in-3-D3GQBG-en/
    Harvard
    Riesner, Thomas (2023) Go in 3. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/thomas-riesner-go-in-3-D3GQBG-en/

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 24, 2026

    Go in 3 — Thomas Riesner Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Go in 3 — Thomas Riesner

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: red creature, blue eyes, long hair. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Fear 2 15×21cm Ink ×paper 2022 (2022), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Thomas Riesner was about 52 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 24, 2026

    Go in 3 — Thomas Riesner Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    What was Thomas Riesner's age when "Go in 3" was created?

    Thomas Riesner was 52 years old when creating "Go in 3" in 2023. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1971.

    Which print setup is suggested for "Go in 3" by Thomas Riesner?

    small size, portrait orientation: that is the print setup suggested for "Go in 3" by Thomas Riesner.

    Who created "Go in 3" and in what year?

    The author of "Go in 3" is Thomas Riesner, and the work is dated 2023.