Salzburger Kunstverein is excited to announce the unveiling of two new exhibitions this summer, showcasing the innovative works of contemporary artists Martin Beck, Sung Tieu, and Philipp Fleischmann. The exhibitions, titled echo* and Flashes of Resilience, will be on display in Salzburg, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the intersection of sound, visual art, and film.
In the Grand Hall and the Ring Gallery, echo* presents a collaborative effort between Martin Beck and Sung Tieu. This exhibition creates an immersive environment where sound resonates within the institutional framework of the Kunstverein. The artists delve into the complexities of temporal and spatial contexts, inviting viewers to experience art in a multi-dimensional way.
At the heart of echo* is a sound installation that envelops the corridor leading to the main exhibition space. This installation features a sophisticated arrangement of 28 speakers, designed to produce a continuous sonic landscape. The collaboration between Beck and Tieu emphasizes the relationship between sound and the physical space, creating a dynamic atmosphere that encourages reflection and engagement.
Sung Tieu, recognized for her critical approach to minimalism, explores the tensions between design and its social implications. In this exhibition, she presents two digital clocks, each set to different time zones that correspond to reported incidents of Havana syndrome worldwide. This thought-provoking piece highlights the intersection of time, space, and contemporary issues, prompting viewers to consider the broader implications of their environment.
Additionally, Tieu contributes a new text-based work as part of her ongoing series, “Newspapers 1969–ongoing.” This piece intertwines her personal narrative with the institutional mechanics of the Kunstverein, blurring the lines between the archival and the immediate, the factual and the imagined. The newspaper serves as both a sculptural and textual element, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of memory and history.
Martin Beck’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the exploration of visual and auditory cultures. His recent works draw inspiration from a series of eleven vinyl records titled “environments,” released between 1969 and 1979. These records were designed as psychoacoustic tools to enhance productivity and well-being. In echo*, Beck presents four large-scale drawings adorned with fern foliage, probing themes of sites, sounds, tasks, and the passage of time. His works cut into the covers of the record series, highlighting the visual and verbal dimensions associated with the pressures of self-care and self-control in contemporary capitalist society.
The exhibition is curated by Mirela Baciak, who has been instrumental in shaping the artistic direction of Salzburger Kunstverein since her appointment as director in July 2023. Baciak’s vision for the Kunstverein emphasizes the importance of local and international dialogues, fostering a space for reflection and engagement with contemporary art.
On July 13, 2024, an artist talk will take place featuring Gabrielle Schaad from ZHdK Zurich in conversation with Martin Beck and Sung Tieu. This event will provide an opportunity for deeper insights into the artists’ practices and the themes explored in echo*.
In the Studio Space, Philipp Fleischmann presents Flashes of Resilience, an exhibition that challenges traditional forms of filmic representation. Fleischmann’s work emphasizes the undefined and obscured aspects of visual art through the lens of queer abstraction. His approach often involves the development of site-specific cameras tailored to each project, allowing him to explore the nuanced physical and cultural dimensions of various institutional spaces.
For Flashes of Resilience, Fleischmann has created a new looped film sculpture measuring 735 cm in length. The 16mm filmstrip carries various conceptions that sidestep traditional frame inscription, accentuating the dynamic and ever-changing perception of visuals. The title’s “flashes” are not merely visual; they embody moments of intensity and disruption that resonate with the overarching theme of resilience.
The attention to color, light, and spatial arrangement in Fleischmann’s work encourages constant sensory shifts, reflecting the effort and resilience required to navigate the complexities of attribution and the ability to act. This seventh iteration in a series of film sculptures incorporates a new design and conceptual framework, progressively interrogating and expanding the expressive potential of analog film.
The film sculpture at Salzburger Kunstverein introduces a new form and a high projector setup, altering the interaction between the film and the surrounding space. These modifications transform the visual and auditory experience, enhanced by the distinct sound of the classic projector, adding a layer of cinematic ambiance to the exhibition space.
Flashes of Resilience is also curated by Mirela Baciak, who continues to shape the narrative of contemporary art at Salzburger Kunstverein. The exhibitions echo* and Flashes of Resilience not only highlight the innovative practices of Beck, Tieu, and Fleischmann but also reflect the institution’s commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and exploration.
As part of the broader 2024 program titled “Chronic Contradictions,” Salzburger Kunstverein aims to delve into the complex interplay of health and climate crisis through various exhibitions and performances. This thematic focus seeks to explore the role of art in fostering societal healing and resilience, offering artistic remedies that inspire hope and reflection.
Throughout the year, Salzburger Kunstverein will host a series of exhibitions and events that challenge conventional narratives and encourage critical engagement with contemporary issues. From Vasilis Papageorgiou’s exhibition Sunseekers or Dimming the Sun or, which reflects on the cyclical nature of labor and leisure, to Jeamin Cha’s Freeze Response, which dissects the political facets of health, the program promises to be thought-provoking and impactful.
In May, the institution will showcase The Myth of Normal: Chronic Contradictions, a group exhibition conceptualized in collaboration with Kunstverein Hannover. This exhibit explores the standards of normalcy in health and societal expectations, drawing inspiration from the insights of Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert in trauma studies. The exhibition will feature contributions from various artists, including Cat Chong, Jeamin Cha, Itamar Gov, Anastasia Sosunova, Imogen Stidworthy, and Julia Zöhrer.
Complementing the exhibitions, a performance series titled “When the Body Says Yes” will explore the nuances of ability through the works of Benoît Piéron and Perel. This series aims to engage audiences in discussions surrounding health, ability, and societal expectations.
From June to August, the shift towards digital healthcare will be examined through the performance series “Smart Nursing.” Artists Liesel Burisch, Ania Nowak, and Anna Witt will offer insights into caring practices and their implications in Austria, further enriching the dialogue surrounding health and art.
As the year progresses, Salzburger Kunstverein will continue to host collaborative projects with various institutions, including Mozarteum University and the Salzburg International Summer Academy of Fine Arts. These partnerships aim to foster a vibrant artistic community and encourage interdisciplinary dialogue.
The final exhibition of the year, scheduled for December 13, 2024, to February 2, 2025, will be a showcase traditionally reserved for the members of the Kunstverein. This year, it will be guest-curated by Hana Ostan Ožbolt, featuring the work of Luz Olivares Capelle, the winner of the 2023 Emerging Artist Award of Land Salzburg and Salzburger Kunstverein.
Salzburger Kunstverein remains dedicated to its mission of supporting contemporary art and fostering a space for reflection, debate, and community engagement. With the unveiling of echo* and Flashes of Resilience, the institution continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression and invites visitors to engage with the complexities of contemporary life through the lens of art.
Source: Salzburger Kunstverein
