Ljiljana Maletin Vojvodić //

Erwin Wurm (b. 1954) is celebrated as one of the most successful and widely recognized contemporary artists on the global stage. In honor of his 70th birthday, ALBERTINA MODERN presents a retrospective, marking the culmination of a decades-long relationship between the museum and this uniquely versatile artist. This exhibition is the first comprehensive showcase of Wurm’s multifaceted oeuvre, featuring an array of artistic media—sculptures, drawings, installations, videos, and photographs.

The retrospective, which runs until March 9, 2025, offers a remarkable glimpse into Wurm’s artistic evolution. It features over 170 works from his extensive career and brings together significant pieces from every phase of his work, from early wooden and dust sculptures to recent creations making their world debut at this exhibition. Highlights include his internationally acclaimed works 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 marked by playfulness and wit, frequently interweaving elements of performance and humor. His works invite viewers to engage with the absurdities and paradoxes of life, sparking thought-provoking questions and inspiring fresh perspectives.

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)

The exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art and its profound role in shaping our understanding of the world. I highly recommend adding it to your calendar. It promises to be an unforgettable experience that challenges the boundaries of art and its relevance in our lives.