until 16. 02. 2020
Franz Hauer was quite possibly the most spectacular self-made man amongst European art collectors. A postman’s son from Weißenkirchen and manservant at Krems’ hotel “Zur Rose”, Hauer‘s rise as an “art enthusiast of the most original kind” (Carl Moll) occurred with just one restaurant, namely the “Griechenbeisl”. It was to become a first-rate European hotspot around 1900, with famous guests ranging from Karl May to Mark Twain. With no family history in the field to speak of, Hauer became a passionate fan of contemporary art. He was the most important collector of Albin Egger-Lienz, but also owned many pieces by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. In 1914 he died at the age of only 48. His legendary collection was largely sold and is now owned by many important museums and private collections across Europe and the United States. The exhibition in Krems succeeds in showcasing a cross-section of his legendary collection, which once comprised more than 1,000 pieces.
until 16. 08. 2020
The question of our identity cannot be underestimated in its importance. Always relevant, the topic remains forever exciting. The urge for self-portrayal is central in our culture and the possibilities for it have never been as plentiful as they are today. Groundbreaking insights of the modern age are a precondition of the contemporary view of one’s own person, and no one managed to do this more consistently than Egon Schiele. His statement “I am everything at once” is an entirely new basis for self-expression. Peering behind the human facade becomes the central message and effectively captures the modern and contemporary art. If we are not what we appear to be, then what are we? Art leads the way in the exploration of identity. Artists’ findings on the path to self-discovery are stronger, more meaningful and more lasting than those made by doctors, psychologists and philosophers who have walked the same path. This is exemplified by the exhibition in six chapters.
until 19. 04. 2020
Since the 19th century, Lower Austria’s cultural landscape has offered inspiration and peace to those seeking relaxation. Amongst these seekers were many artists, including Egon Schiele. Extending from the Wachau region to Trieste, a varied trail of exhibitions arose out of this feeling of longing. The exhibits create a dialogue between pieces belonging to the Atmospheric Impressionism movement, classical modernism and contemporary works. The exhibition raises the question to what extent the understanding of cultural space remains to be influenced by romantic ideas, and which strategies humans use to mold nature into “our” own landscape. It also addresses the critical viewpoint of nature that has been occupied and made user-friendly; a nature that seems idyllic but reveals itself as a human construct when examined more closely. At it‘s core, the exhibition comprises art depicting Lower Austrian dreams of longing. The pieces are considered to be examples of anywhere and the work raises the fundamental question as to the relationship between humankind and nature.
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