ART CITIES:Vienna-The Present of Modernism

One of the most interesting exhibitions recently presented was a part of the collection of the Museum MUMOK, Vienna entitled: ‘’The Present of Modernism’’, explored the grand utopian project of modernism, asking as to its relevance today and its potential for future generations. This new presentation included paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, films, and architectural models.

By Dimitris Lempesis
Photo: Archive of mumok Museum

The exhibition started with classical Modernism, early Abstract Art and Futurism, and works by Picasso or Bauhaus artists. These were contrasted with the 1960s avant-gardes works by Daniel Buren or Michelangelo Pistoletto, Post-Minimal art, and also more contemporary works by Isa Genzken, Christopher Wool, or Simon Starling, in which Modernism’s visual repertory was reexamined. The presentation also focused on architecture and construction, dance and movement, masks, and a critical investigation of the institutional frameworks of Modernism. The presentation included works that are seldom seen: like Josef Hoffmann’s collection of drawings or architectural models by Adolf Loos, Le Corbusier, and Fritz Wotruba, presented alongside mumok classics. The combination of older and younger generations also included a number of Austrian artists, such as Walter Pichler, Dorit Margreiter, Florian Pumhösl, and Anna Artaker.

Info: ’’The Present of Modernism’’, Curated by Susanne Neuburger & Katharina Schendl, Museum moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien, Museumsplatz 1, Vienna, Days & Hours: Mon: 14:00-19:00, Tue-Sun: 10:00-19:00, Thu: 10:00-21:00, www.mumok.at/en