Werner Berg was a German-born painter who became closely associated with Carinthia, particularly the region around Friesach.

Born in Elberfeld (now part of Wuppertal, Germany) in 1904, he moved to the Rutarhof, a remote farm in Lower Carinthia, with his wife Amalie Kuster in 1931. This location, near the Slovenian border, had a profound influence on his work.

Berg’s art is often linked to the landscapes and rural life of Carinthia, focusing on its people, traditions, and daily struggles. His style is rooted in German Expressionism, and he became known for his evocative depictions of the region’s inhabitants. His connection to Friesach was part of a broader artistic journey documenting rural life in Carinthia, even though his works were rejected by the Nazi regime, which labelled them “degenerate art.”

Berg’s art and legacy are celebrated in the Werner Berg Museum, which houses many of his works and tells the story of his life and creative output, especially his connection to Carinthia.