Austrian artist Arnulf Rainer has died at the age of 96, Austrian news agency APA reported on Sunday.
A versatile and often provocative exponent of abstract art, Rainer was considered one of Austria's leading postwar artists and was a pioneer of Art Informel in his homeland. His works featured in major art museums around the world.
Both painter and graphic artist, Rainer was initially drawn to surrealism, but from the 1950s he became renowned for what he called "overpainting" - painting over existing works or pictures, frequently images of himself or those created by him.
Austrian state broadcaster ORF said Rainer died on Thursday.
Visionary music conductor Michael Tilson Thomas dead at 81
Anne Hathaway transforms into troubled pop icon in 'Mother Mary'
Maggie Gyllenhaal to head Venice Film Festival competition jury
'The Devil Wears Prada 2' returns with fun, fashion and 'uncertainty of the moment'
Kuwaiti icon Hayat Al Fahad passes away at 78
