SALZBURG.- Today marks the opening of Werner Feiersinger's highly anticipated exhibition, KORZO, at FOTOHOF in Salzburg. The exhibition showcases Feiersinger's striking photographs of industrial architecture and landscape design in Istria, offering a glimpse into the utopian ambitions of post-war modernism. In capturing these neglected industrial structures, Feiersinger invites viewers to reflect on the broader social and political changes that shaped this period.
The Essence of 'KORZO'
Feiersinger, known for his meticulous work documenting post-war modernist architecture, shifts his focus from the purely sculptural to the atmospheric. KORZO highlights industrial buildings—skyscrapers, petrochemical plants, ships, and steel structures—set against the rugged landscapes of Istria. Each photograph reflects the hopes of an era driven by ideals of progress and development, yet these images also speak to the ultimate failure of many political ideologies.
"The many industrial buildings—high-rises, petrochemical plants, and steel constructions—tell the history and evolution of these places but also of the collapse of political utopias. The political background resonates as a parallel narrative," Feiersinger explained. His work pulls viewers into the tension between architecture’s sculptural beauty and its embedded historical context, creating a rich duality of perception.
Contrasting Perspectives: Lea Sonderegger's 'Norm'
Complementing Feiersinger's external landscapes, Vienna-based photographer Lea Sonderegger presents her series Norm, which focuses on the interiors of Viennese administrative buildings. Sonderegger's photographs examine the bureaucratic spaces—offices, waiting rooms, and canteens—that shape daily life for so many. Each image is void of human presence, emphasizing the sterile and functional design choices that dominate these institutional settings.
"In my photographic work, I document built environments that govern the daily lives of a large portion of the population," Sonderegger stated. Through her lens, she invites viewers to consider the influence of architectural design on social function, posing questions about the hidden decisions behind public spaces and their effect on the people who use them.
Joachim Brohm's 'STONED'
Adding depth to the exhibition is STONED, a donation by Joachim Brohm to the FOTOHOF>ARCHIV, which chronicles the early development of the Steinhaus at Lake Ossiach by famed Austrian architect Günther Domenig. Captured between 1989 and 1994, Brohm’s series explores the unique architectural vision behind this iconic building. The photographs, presented exclusively in black and white, highlight the stark, sculptural forms of the unfinished structure and pay homage to Domenig's radical approach.
Brohm, who has traditionally worked in color, made the decision to reinterpret his original photographs in monochrome for this exhibition. "The concrete sculpture of the building's shell undergoes a pictorial transformation when seen in black and white," he explained. This shift in presentation offers a fresh perspective on one of Austria’s most striking modernist works.
A Reflection on Architecture and Ideology
The three bodies of work in KORZO, Norm, and STONED collectively examine the role of architecture in reflecting and shaping societal aspirations. Feiersinger's photographs invite reflection on the industrial landscapes of the former Yugoslavia, highlighting the utopian potential of these now-abandoned projects. In contrast, Sonderegger’s interiors provoke thought about how bureaucratic spaces influence everyday life in Austria, while Brohm’s work captures the physical and philosophical essence of one of the country's most iconic modernist structures.
As the exhibition opened today, visitors to FOTOHOF in Salzburg will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this unique exploration of the intersection between architecture, politics, and society. The visual storytelling woven through these photographers' works offers both a historical reflection and a contemporary commentary on the buildings and spaces we interact with daily.
Running until November 29, 2024, the exhibition is a must-see for those interested in architectural history, photography, and the subtle dialogue between space and ideology. With its opening coinciding with the Long Night of the Museums, KORZO promises to be a compelling addition to Salzburg’s cultural landscape this autumn.
