Ljiljana Maletin Vojvodić //

Erwin Wurm (1954) is one of the most successful and best-known contemporary artists internationally. The exhibition at the ALBERTINA MODERN on his 70th birthday is the result of a decades-long mutual bond between the ALBERTINA and this uniquely versatile artist. It is also the first comprehensive retrospective of this multifaceted oeuvre in all artistic media: sculptures, drawings and instructions, videos, and photographs.

A day before the official opening, I had the privilege of attending a preview event at ALBERTINA MODERN. Professor Klaus Albrecht Schröder, PhD, Director General of the ALBERTINA Museum in Vienna, and curator of the exhibition Antonia Hoerschelmann provided valuable insights into Wurm’s creative process and the themes that underpin his work. Additionally, we had the privilege of Erwin Wurm sharing his thoughts on his artistic journey and what drives his creativity.

The retrospective, which runs until March 9, 2025, offers a unique glimpse into Wurm’s multifaceted artistic practice, featuring over 170 works from his extensive career.

The exhibition brings together major works from all stages of Erwin Wurm’s artistic career. From his early wood and dust sculptures to his most recent works, some of which are being shown for the first time in the exhibition. Alongside these are works with which he achieved international fame, such as One Minute Sculptures, the Fat Car, and A Narrow House.

I wanted to study painting, but by coincidence, I became a sculptor. So I started to think about what sculpture could be today. This brought me to the research of emptiness, virtuality, volume, and the basic qualities of sculpture. (Erwin Wurm)

Wurm’s artistic practice is characterized by its playfulness and wit, often incorporating elements of performance and humor. His works are designed to provoke questions and inspire new perspectives, inviting viewers to engage with the absurdities and paradoxes of our world.

What is most important is I am not answering questions or asking questions about the big issues of our life, where we go, and where we come from. There are other simpler but actually important questions, like what do I wear, what do I eat tomorrow, and who do I want to be? (Erwin Wurm)

I am grateful to have had the privilege,  thanks to Dr. Daniel Benyes, and the Albertina Museum to be their guest at press preview and experience Wurm’s remarkable work up close.

The exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art and its role in shaping our understanding of the world!

I highly recommend adding this exhibition to your calendar. It is an unforgettable experience that will leave you questioning the boundaries of art and its role in our world.