KLOSTERNEUBURG.- Prepare to see sculpture in a whole new light as the Albertina Klosterneuburg announces its ambitious program for 2025, entirely dedicated to the art of three dimensions under the banner "De Sculptura." This isn't just a display of static forms; it's an exploration into the very essence of what sculpture and three-dimensional art mean in our world today, both for artists and for the museum itself.

Visitors can expect a vibrant journey through the Albertina's contemporary art collections, encountering the diverse visions of both well-known masters and exciting emerging talents from Austria and across the globe. "De Sculptura" promises a fresh perspective, inviting us to consider the power and potential of sculpted forms.

One of the exhibition's highlights will undoubtedly be the captivating installation "Gonflés – dégonflés" by French artist Annette Messager. Imagine a room where soft, balloon-silk organs seem to breathe, rhythmically inflating and deflating before your eyes, creating a mesmerizing and perhaps slightly unsettling experience. This piece playfully engages with the legacy of Franz West's iconic symbols of sexuality while also standing in stark contrast to the robust, recycled metal creations of Kennedy Yanko. Yanko's three-part sculpture, despite its weighty material, achieves a surprising painterly elegance through its carefully applied layers of color.

The exhibition doesn't stop there. Prepare to encounter the quirky "Box People" by Erwin Wurm, alongside the fantastical figures that seem to leap directly from Eva Beresin's canvases. Claudia Märzendorfer's intricate "Soft Sculptures," crafted from knitted, crocheted, and sewn wool, will offer a tactile and unexpected take on form. And for those who appreciate expressive intensity, Jonathan Meese's powerful bronze busts, all drawn from the Albertina's own collection, are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Throughout the galleries, a fascinating array of materials will tell the story of contemporary sculpture: aluminum, steel, wire, concrete, wood, papier-mâché, wool, and even found objects will come together in surprising and thought-provoking ways. "De Sculptura" isn't just about showcasing new approaches to sculpture; it's about fostering a dialogue between these three-dimensional works and more traditional mediums like painting and drawing, as well as immersive installations.

The presentation will also thoughtfully engage with the Albertina Klosterneuburg's own architectural identity, designed by the acclaimed Heinz Tesar. The layout will allow the space to truly shine, creating connections between the art and its surroundings. Interestingly, the exhibition will subtly nod to the theme of the Danube wave, a motif that appears in the abstract, undulating lines of works by artists ranging from Hubert Scheibl and Albert Oehlen to the vibrant creations of younger artists like Britain's Jadé Fadojutimi and China's Xiyao Wang.

Adding another layer of personal connection, the Albertina Klosterneuburg will shine a spotlight on the work of Austrian artist Martha Jungwirth with a dedicated selection of her paintings and works on paper. This serves as a heartfelt tribute to Jungwirth on the occasion of her 85th birthday.

A Deeper Dive Inside:

Hall 2 of the exhibition, also titled "De Sculptura," promises an engaging conversation between artists spanning generations and continents. From the provocative works of Jonathan Meese to the intriguing figures of Eva Beresin, the space will host a "music room" featuring Fritz Panzer's delicate wire piano, a grand piano where the legendary Nam June Paik seems to have taken a seat, and a fascinating material assemblage incorporating a keyboard by Dieter Roth.

Here, the sheer variety of contemporary sculpture will be evident, with pieces crafted from a multitude of materials entering into a dynamic dialogue with paintings and drawings. Expect to see the weighty bronze and metal sculptures of Bruno Gironcoli and Toni Schmale, separated by nearly two generations, engaging in a visual "pas de deux." The shared presentation of Maria Lassnig and Eva Beresin will highlight surprising similarities and explore the fascinating genesis of sculpture from the painted image. Adding a socio-political dimension, Iranian artist Soli Kiani and Elena Koneff, who fled Russia for Vienna in 1979, will present powerful sculptures made from ropes and weavings.

Jonathan Meese, known for his theatrical persona and exploration of myths and historical figures, will present bronze heads that contrast classical techniques with his typically expressive style, marking a fascinating evolution in his work. Alexandre Diop, a Franco-Senegalese artist living across Europe and Africa, will showcase his vision of creating new realities from the existing one, utilizing found materials in bricolage-like assemblages that evoke both the archaic and the contemporary. Erwin Wurm, ever the master of the absurd, will present his signature way of turning everyday objects and societal conventions on their head, prompting viewers to reconsider the world around them. Markus Schinwald will delve into the psychological with his explorations of space and body, incorporating historical paintings and portraits in his intriguing "Extensions" series. Bruno Gironcoli's intense focus on human relationships, sexuality, and violence will be evident in his distinctive and symbolic sculptural language. Toni Schmale's minimalist sculptures, crafted from industrial materials with significant physical effort, will invite contemplation on power, control, and societal structures. Maria Lassnig's revolutionary "Body Awareness" will be showcased, demonstrating her profound impact on painting and her exploration of deep emotional and socio-political themes. Finally, Eva Beresin's hybrid figures and grotesque characters will blend humor and horror, challenging boundaries between intimacy and public exposure. Soli Kiani will explore themes of female identity and human rights through her poetic use of black and white and, poignantly, ropes reminiscent of those used in executions. Elena Koneff's large-scale weavings, influenced by modernism and the Russian avant-garde, will offer a powerful and almost gravitational presence.

Hall 3 continues the "De Sculptura" theme, showcasing works from Annette Messager to Martha Jungwirth. Here, Messager's inflatable body parts will again take center stage, alongside Kennedy Yanko's compelling metal sculpture. The connection to the Danube wave will be further explored through the works of Hubert Scheibl, Albert Oehlen, Jadé Fadojutimi, and Xiyao Wang. The heartfelt homage to Martha Jungwirth will also continue in this space. Franz West's iconic "Passstücke" and his questioning of the boundaries between art and everyday objects will be highlighted. Hubert Scheibl's abstract color spaces, influenced by a wide range of disciplines, will offer a vibrant and immersive experience. Albert Oehlen's rebellious and experimental approach to painting will be on display, alongside Herbert Brandl's focus on the autonomy of color and his evocative landscapes.

Finally, in the Rotunda Hall 1, Claudia Märzendorfer's meticulous wool creations will offer a unique perspective on the concept of sculpture. Her life-sized knitted, crocheted, and sewn components of a truck will explore themes of materiality, the traditionally feminine act of knitting juxtaposed with a masculine object, and the contrast between industrial production and slow, deliberate handcraft. In the context of climate change, her "Silent Running" series takes on an added layer of significance, prompting reflection on deceleration in a fast-paced world.

"De Sculptura" at the Albertina Klosterneuburg promises to be a landmark event in the 2025 art calendar, offering a rich and diverse exploration of the ever-evolving world of sculpture. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these powerful and thought-provoking works firsthand.